In order to limit damage to both companies and employees, the Joint Storting has adopted temporary changes to the layoff legislation.
The outbreak of the coronavirus (Covid-19) has serious and devastating consequences for working life in Norway. Many companies have to close down and the wave effect of infection control measures is significant. This has led to a very large number of layoffs in many industries.
In order to meet the high needs of layoffs and to reduce harm to both companies and workers, the general Storting has adopted the following temporary changes to the layoff legislation. They are sanctioned by the King of the State Council today, Friday, March 20, and are effective today.
- Employees are guaranteed a wage of 100 percent up to 6G from day 3 to day 20. The changes will come into force on March 20, but further regulations will be formally introduced next week. NAV will process your benefit claim if possible after the technical issues have been resolved. If you are made redundant and still receiving wages from your employer, they will switch to the new system from March 20.
Changes in the provisions on dismissals and benefits
- The employer's period (days on which the employer pays the full wage for dismissal) is reduced from 15 to 2 days. The state then takes over the protection of the income of the dismissed people. The new law will come into force on March 20. The state will take over responsibility for wages.
- Benefits for people who have been made redundant and have become unemployed are adjusted. They now account for 80% of the unemployment benefit up to 3G and 62,4% of the share of the unemployment benefit ranging from 3G to 6G.
- The lower income limit for unemployment benefit is lowered to 0,75 G in the last 12 months or 2,25 G in the last 36 months. It will enter into force on March 20. The rules will apply to both permitering and unemployed people.
- The three-day waiting period before unemployment benefits begin to be paid is repealed. The change applies to those who must apply for unemployment benefits. Entry into force on March 20.
- The requirement to shorten working hours related to the right to unemployment benefit has been changed from a minimum of 50 percent to 40 percent. The change means that, for example, a full-time worker who is made redundant only two working days a week will be entitled to unemployment benefits. By facilitating the more frequent use of "rolling redundancies", you reduce the financial burden on individual employees.
We want everyone to be safe.
- The goal of the government and the Storting is to save Norwegian jobs and provide a safe income for employees in the crisis situation we are in. says Social Affairs Minister Torbjørn Røe Isaksen.
Changes in the provisions on dismissals and benefits
- NAV works hardto process a huge number of requests and introduce new regulations. Everyone should get what they are entitled to, but it will take a while for things to work out, says the minister.
up-to-date information nav.no
Many people contact NAV and the phone waits for a long time. Use nav.no, where you will find updated information and instructional videos on layoffs for both employers and employees. Those who cannot use nav.no can contact us via chat and phone.
Read more on changes to exemption rules on regjeringen.no
See how to start applying for Dismissal Unemployment Benefit.
