What is funktionærloven?

Funktionærloven (the Salaried Employees Act) is the law that protects salaried employees (funktionærer) in Denmark. It sets minimum rights for notice periods, sick pay, parental leave, and other areas. A collective agreement can give you better rights, but never fewer than the law provides.

Are you a funktionær?

You qualify if you're an employee working in: commerce and office work; warehouse operations; or technical or clinical assistance. And you work more than 8 hours per week on average for more than one month. What matters is the nature of your work — not your pay structure or hours.

What does the law give you?

Notice periods (from employer to you): Up to 5 months: 1 month. 6 months to 3 years: 3 months. 3–6 years: 4 months. 6–9 years: 5 months. Over 9 years: 6 months.

Trial period: Can be set at up to 3 months. During the trial period, either party can terminate with 14 days' notice.

Sick pay: Full pay from day one of illness. No waiting days.

Parental leave pay: Half pay during the first 14 weeks. Many collective agreements and individual contracts provide full pay — check yours.

Redundancy compensation: If dismissed (not if you resign) after 12, 15, or 18 years with the same employer, you're entitled to 1, 2, or 3 months' extra pay respectively.

Non-compete clauses: Funktionærloven regulates the conditions under which non-compete clauses are valid. A clause that doesn't meet the legal requirements is automatically void.

What's not covered?

Company directors and self-employed persons are not covered. Some rights under the act only take effect after the trial period ends.