Workers in two German towns will get government help with the housework. The government has a new project to help people who want to work more. People who work more hours will get vouchers to get help with the housework, such as cleaning and ironing. This will help to support family life and to reduce the shadow economy. The shadow economy is when people pay for things in cash but do not pay tax, so the government loses money.

The government said that women work less than they want to because they do housework and look after the family. If these women worked longer hours, they would get a government voucher and could then afford to pay for help with the housework. The new system would create jobs for people and create more tax for the government. A spokesman said: "With professional help in the home, it is easier to balance work and family life."