The Government has put forward a proposal to extend the schemes with extended entitlement to care benefits and sickness benefits, and an increased unemployment benefit rate.

Earlier this year, draft regulations on own pension account were sent out for consultation. The consultation deadline was 3 August 2020, and the new rules will probably enter into force at the beginning of 2021. The purpose of the amendment of rules is to make it easier for employees to receive the best possible pension. Employees must be able to choose who will manage the pension capital, which will lead to greater competition in the market.

The High Court Civil Division recently ruled on whether the termination of two graphic designers in Dagbladet was invalid. It was particularly problematised whether the processing of the case had been insufficient. Despite this, the terminations were not considered invalid.

For the first time in history, The Norwegian Anti-Discrimination Tribunal has awarded remedy for non-economic loss and compensation for gender discrimination in the workplace.

The government has sent out several hearings aimed at preventing crime related to working life. The hearings address, among other things, criminal liability for wage theft, increased penalties for breaches of provisions in the Working Environment Act and a provision that wages must be paid via a bank.

With COVID-19 giving rise to a host of novel workplace issues, Littler Global recently surveyed over 750 human resources executives and in-house counsel across Europe on their key concerns and strategies.

The Government will propose a budget resolution before the Parliament, ensuring that the temporary increased unemployment benefit rate is extended throughout 2020.

The Government proposes extending the lay-off period to 52 weeks from 1 November 2020.

The government has adopted changes in the period in which employers have a duty of remuneration when temporarily laying off employees. The duty of remuneration period will, from 1 September 2020, be ten days.

Employers' various prospects after temporary layoffs: Several employers have had to initiate layoffs in connection with the corona pandemic. A few months later, the employers are now in different positions.

The government has proposed a temporary arrangement where employers can apply for payroll support to bring their own laid-off employees back to work.

The gradual reopening of society that is happening these days means that for more employers it is appropriate to call laid-off employees back to work. In this regard, there are some factors employers should be aware of.

In February and March 2020, the European Court of Justice handed down two new judgements on transfer of ownership of undertakings.

The government has proposed to amend the rules for debt negotiation in bankruptcy legislation to help viable businesses affected by loss of income as a result of the coronavirus.

In order to deal with the financial consequences of the coronavirus outbreak, Stortinget (Parliament) has now also adopted amendments to the rules for laid-off employees in private pension schemes.