Starting a new job? Learn when you should receive your employment contract, what it should include, and what to check before you sign. Contract feedback is available in Danish.
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When should you get the contract?
It does not matter whether it is called a contract or a statement of particulars, it is one and the same thing.
If you have been employed for more than one month, and if you work more than eight hours a week, your boss must see to it that you receive a written contract.
You are entitled to get your contract no later than one month after starting work. We recommend that you have your contract in place before starting your new job. If you change job, we also recommend that you obtain your contract before handing in notice to your current employer.
What your employment contract should contain
By law, your contract must include:
Your and your employer's name and adress
The adress of your workplace
The position you are employed in, and what you have to do
When you start the job
How long your employment is for in the case of a temporary job
Whether you get holiday with pay or holiday pay
Notice periods
Your pay and when you will recieve it
And any other allowances such as pension contributions or board and lodging
Your normal working hours
The collective agreements or other agreements you are covered by (if any)
These requirements are set out in the Danish Employment Certificate Act (Ansættelsesbevisloven).
Other things to clarify
Extra holiday entitlements and other days off
Sick pay entitlement
Entitlement to time off with pay if your child is ill
Maternity pay entitlement
Pension entitlement
Fringe benefits, e.g. health insurance, lunch scheme, etc.
Are you considered a salaried employee?
Whether or not you are an employee enjoying the statutory protection of a ‘salaried employee’ as defined in the Danish Salaried Employees Act (Funktionærloven) depends on the type of work you do, not on how you are paid.
If you are mainly paid on an hourly basis, you may still be a ‘salaried employee’, and conversely you are not necessarily a ‘salaried employee’ if you are paid on a monthly basis.
In order to qualify as a ‘salaried employee’, you must be in an employment relationship and employed to work more than eight hours a week.
If you are employed as a temp through a temping agency, you are not in an employment relationship and so will not be covered by the Danish Salaried Employees Act even if you work in a white-collar post.
If your job is temporary
If you are a temporary employee, you are employed until a specific date or until a specific task has been completed. This can include being employed until someone on long-term sick leave returns to work.
If you are employed in a temporary post, you are basically entitled to the same terms of pay and employment as your permanent colleagues.
Can your temporary contract be extended?
Yes, as long as there are objective reasons, an employer may extend your contract. This includes temporary employment to cover maternity leave, sick leave, etc.
