Tackling Workplace Sexual Harassment: What's New In Denmark?

• Published date: 28 November 2022
• Subject Matter: Employment and HR, Discrimination, Disability & Sexual Harassment, Employee Benefits & Compensation
• Law Firm: lus Laboris
• Author: Thea Bytofte (Norrbom Vinding)

25 November is UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. In Denmark, Ministry of Employment has introduced a bill aiming to combat sexual harassment in the workplace, but the 1 November general election means legislative progress is currently on hold.

In March 2022, the Danish social partners and the government entered into a tripartite agreement on initiatives to combat sexual harassment in workplaces. You can find more information here.

The purpose of the tripartite agreement was, among other things, to provide the necessary tools for employers to prevent and deal with sexual harassment and by doing so, support a cultural change in certain workplaces. The draft bill regarding the initiatives in the tripartite agreement that require legislative changes was sent for consultation just before the summer holidays.

Shortly before the general election was called, the bill was tabled without significant changes. It involves concrete implementation of the initiatives in the tripartite agreement, which (as mentioned) require legislative changes, including the possibility of compensation under the Equal Treatment Act, an increase in the level of compensation by one third in cases of serious sexual harassment, as well as the implementation of a number of measures aimed at strengthening the legal position of trainees and apprentices...