If the employer wants to dismiss, within a 30 day period,:

• at least 5 employees in a company with more than 20 and fewer than 100 employees,
• at least 5% of employees in a company with 100-600 employees, 
• at least 30 employees in a company with more than 600 employees,
• at least 5 employees aged 50+ irrespective of company size,

the employer must inform the regional office of the Austrian public employment service (AMS) in writing at least 30 days before the first planned dismissals.

The notification must include:

• the reason for terminating the employment contract,
• the timing of dismissals,
• the number and function of regular staff and of employees to be made redundant, as well as their qualifications, gender, age, tenure,
• selection criteria for dismissals,
• possible planned measures to mitigate the negative consequences for affected employees.

The employer also has to prove that the works council has been informed and consulted. If there is no works council in the company, a copy of the notification to the public employment service has to be submitted to all potentially affected workers.

The public employment service has to start consultations with the employer, the works council, trade unions and employers' organisations and inform the social assistance office. If needed, also experts could be involved. The consultation should consider the optimal use of public support, particularly as regards older workers.

If the employer provides a sound justification (for example, establishment of a social plan or economic necessity), the public employment service can also authorise the dismissals before the 30 day period.