medborger_i_danmark_engelsk.pdf - Ny i Danmark

86JOBS AND THE LABOUR MARKETShortage ofqualified labourGetting a job is particularly difficult if youhave no education/training, and if you arenot familiar with the Danish language.In Denmark, the rate of unemployment isvery high among ethnic minorities,although the overall unemployment ratehas declined from approximately 10% inthe mid-1990s to 5% in 2001. However,the decline has had the effect that manylines of business now have difficultyfinding qualified personnel. Ethnicminority citizens who speak Danish andhave an education/training are thereforeincreasingly in demand.The Danish labourmarket modelNo strike orlock-out within thepay-settlement periodThe Danish labour marketIn Denmark, employers enter intovoluntary collective agreements withemployees, for example, on wages/salaries,working hours, education and training andrules on dismissal. Unlike the situation insome other countries, there is no traditionin Denmark for legislation in these areas.Instead, we have the so-called “Danishlabour-market model”, which is based to avery large extent on collective agreementsbetween the social partners.The Danish government rarely intervenesin industrial negotiations. When acollective agreement has been adopted,both parties agree not to strike or lockout during the settlement period. Thismeans that no strikes or lock-outs cantake place during the life of the collectiveagreement.At present, a full working week on theDanish labour market is 37 hours withfive weeks paid vacation.Women and menare entitled to maternity/paternity leave,respectively. The rules and regulations onhealth and safety in the workplace arevery strict. Children under 13 years of ageare not allowed to have paid work outsidethe home.A regulated labourmarket