Denmark – National Regulations in Employment Law

We, the International Labour and Employment Group of Rödl & Partner, are happy to advise you on labour law issues (individual and collective) as well as social security law issues on a global, regional and local level.

Below you will find basic information on national labour law provisions in Denmark.

Interview with Alexandra Huber

Are there national and/or local collective agreements in the country that regulate labour relations?

Yes. Both national and/or local depending on the branch of activity.

Are there different legal rules by department/canton?

No.

Is there and what is the staff threshold above which the presence of staff representatives is mandatory?

Not compulsory. Companies with more than 35 employees may elect a staff representative to the board.

Are trade unions present in the company?

Not compulsory.

If applicable what is the applicable legal working time?

Working time is not regulated by law. CBAs contain rules about working time, which typically amounts to 37 hours per week.

Is there a minimum wage set by law/collective agreements (yes/no)?

No. There is no statutory minimum wage and collective agreements do not apply erga omnis.

What is the number of legal annual paid holidays?

25 days paid holiday per year, counted from Monday to Friday.

Existence of specific classification of employees according to their functions/Responsibilities?

Yes. By law and by collective agreement.

Obligation to set up complementary social insurance schemes (mutual insurance/Provident fund/pension)?

Not compulsory. However, collective agreements typical contain complementary social insurance schemes such as labour market pension and supplementary health insurance.