Information contained in this publication is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or opinion, nor is it a substitute for the professional judgment of an attorney.
Browse through brief employment and labor law updates from around the globe. Contact a Littler attorney for more information or view our global locations.
Download full Q3 2020 Global Guide Quarterly
Change in the Employer’s Duty to Pay Salary During Temporary Layoffs
New Legislation Enacted
Author: Ole Kristian Olsby, Partner – Homble Olsby | Littler
According to the Obligation to Pay Wages During Temporary Redundancy Act, when laying off an employee, the employer is obliged to pay layoff compensation and other remuneration for a specified number of days (the employer's period). After this, the employer is exempted from payroll obligations for 52 weeks. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Norwegian government changed the employer’s period from 15 to two days. As more people return to work, the government has now increased the employer-financed period from two to 10 days.
Temporary Increase to Unemployment Benefit Rate Through End of Year
New Regulation or Official Guidance
Author: Ole Kristian Olsby, Partner – Homble Olsby | Littler
Due to COVID-19, the government has implemented several measures to secure jobs, boost the labor market and ensure predictability for the work force in these uncertain times. The unemployment benefit rate typically amounts to 62.4% of the applicant’s previous income up to 6 G. As a temporary measure, in March 2020, the rate was increased to 80% of the income up to 3 G and 62.4% of the income between 3 G and 6 G. This temporary amendment, which originally applied until October 31, has been extended to December 31, 2020.
Extension of Temporary Layoff Period
New Regulation or Official Guidance
Author: Ole Kristian Olsby, Partner – Homble Olsby | Littler
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has extended the temporary layoff period from 26 to 52 weeks, effective November 1, 2020. This means that the period during which the employer is exempted from the wage obligation during temporary layoff is extended from 26 to 52 weeks. Likewise, the period during which temporarily laid-off employees may be entitled to unemployment benefits was extended from 26 to 52 weeks.
