Recent developments in Norway
Local and international employment law is always changing. Thankfully, we keep a close eye on the latest developments, so you don’t have to. Read on to find out what’s been happening in Norway.
Proposal for Temporary Employment and Agency Work Reform (2024)
The Norwegian government has proposed reforms aimed at tightening regulations on temporary and agency work. The proposal includes measures to limit the use of temporary contracts and ensure temporary workers receive equal pay and benefits compared to permanent employees.
Initiative to strengthen employment protection laws (2024)
A governmental initiative has been launched to review and strengthen existing employment protection laws. The focus is on improving job security, preventing unfair dismissals, and enhancing workers’ rights in line with international labor standards.
Implementation of the EU Directive on Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions (2024)
Norway has been working on aligning its national laws with the new EU directive, which aims to provide more predictable and transparent working conditions. This includes better information for workers about their employment terms and improved protections for temporary and agency workers.
New rules on whistleblowing in the workplace (2020)
In January 2020, several changes to the chapter on whistleblowing in the Working Environment Act came into effect. For example, the sphere of personnel who are protected by whistleblowing regulations was expanded to include prisoners and students when those people are performing work. The law also clarifies employers’ obligation to follow-up on reports from whistleblowers.
Prohibition of zero-hours contracts (2019)
As of January 2019, employers in Norway can no longer hire employees on so-called ‘zero hour’ contracts, due to a new regulation. The law introduced a new and clear definition of permanent employment and gives employees the right to predictability in their working conditions. It also introduced certain restrictions on the use of temporary agency workers.
