Browse through brief employment and labor law updates from around the globe. Contact a Littler attorney for more information or view our global locations.

View all Q2 2018 Global Guide Quarterly updates

Inadequate Accessibility Exemption Withdrawn

New Legislation Enacted

Author: Anna Jerndorf, Partner – Advokatfirman Törngren Magnell KB

On May 1, 2018, exemption for retail and service businesses under the 2015 Swedish Discrimination Act was withdrawn. Previously, retail and service businesses with less than ten employees were exempted from charges of discrimination based on inadequate accessibility. As a consequence, these small-scale businesses now have an obligation under law to adapt their services and premises to ensure accessibility for persons with impairments.

The Police’s Right to Workplace Inspections Is Extended

New Legislation Enacted

Author: Anna Jerndorf, Partner – Advokatfirman Törngren Magnell KB

As of July 1, 2018, through an amendment to the Swedish Aliens Act, the Police Authority’s right to perform workplace inspections is extended, allowing them to inspect whether employers are employing individuals without adequate permits. These inspections do not require any suspicion of criminal activity, but is limited to industries where a greater risk of such employments exists. Additionally, the fine for hiring individuals without adequate permits has been increased.

New Requirements on Rehabilitation Plans

New Legislation Enacted

Author: Anna Jerndorf, Partner – Advokatfirman Törngren Magnell KB

As of July 1, 2018, employers with an employee expected to be absent from work for more than 60 days due to sickness are obligated to prepare a rehabilitation plan for the employee’s return to work. The plan must be prepared within 30 days from the first day of the employee’s sick leave. However, failure to prepare a rehabilitation plan is not associated with any specific sanction. The purpose of the rehabilitation plan is to afford the employee an opportunity to make a smooth transition back to work.

Bill to Restrict Right to Take Industrial Actions

Proposed Bill or Initiative

Author: Anna Jerndorf, Partner – Advokatfirman Törngren Magnell KB

Parties to the Swedish labor market, namely employer’s associations and trade unions, have agreed upon a restriction for taking industrial actions. The bill comes in response to review of the right to take industrial actions and possible implementation of restrictions assigned to a special investigator. The bill prohibits industrial actions that are not intended to achieve a collective bargaining agreement. The Minister for Employment and Integration described the bill as well-balanced and announced that she plans to go forward with it.