Preferential right in connection with employment

Part-time employees and recently redundant employees are, under certain conditions, entitled to an expanded position or entitled to preferential right to a new appointment at the same enterprise.


Preferential right for part-time employees

Part-time employees have a preferential right to increase their working hours rather than their employer recruit new employees. This preferential right is subject to the condition that the employee is qualified for the position and that exercising the preferential right will not entail any significant disadvantage for the enterprise. The preferential right can also apply to part of a position.

The Labour Inspection Authority on preferential right to increased position for part-time employees (In Norwegian only)

Working Environment Act on pre-emptive rights regarding new employment and pre-emptive rights for part-time employees (in Norwegian only)

Preferential right following downsizing

Employees who have been made redundant during the past year due to downsizing have a preferential right to a new appointment. This preferential right only applies if the employee is qualified and has been employed by the enterprise for a total of at least 12 months during the past two years. The preferential right applies for a period of one year after expiry of the period of notice. The preferential right does not apply to people who have been employed in temporary cover positions.

The Labour Inspection Authority on preferential right to employment (in Norwegian only)

Right to regular employment following long-term temporary employment

In addition to the rules of preferential right, employees have the right to regular employment after working in a temporary position for more than three years. 

The Dispute Resolution Board handles disputes where employees invoke the right to regular employment. 

Contact and help:

The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority

The Dispute Resolution Council (in Norwegian only)

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