Denmark: transposing the European directive on agency work is becoming a tool against social dumping

Last week, the Minister of Labor introduced in Parliament the bill transposing the European directive on agency work into Danish law.  The primary goal is to grant agency workers fair working conditions by defining an “appropriate” framework for temporary work and to maintain the principle of equal treatment to curb social dumping which, in Denmark, often comes from temporary work agencies posting eastern European citizens in the country.  Therefore, exceptions to this principle will have to be listed in national collective agreements signed with the most representative trade unions and valid across the country.  This way, foreign TWAs will no longer be able to bring into Denmark the exceptions they enjoy in their countries, and their agency workers will have to be covered by the same rights as Danish workers.  (Ref.  130273)
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

“So far, agency workers have been the weak category of workers in the Danish labor market. But there has and has been social dumping in the sector and it is important to remember that many workers entered the labor market via this form of employment, which offers businesses the flexibility they need” declared Labor Minister Mette Frederiksen on April 17 when she introduced her bill in Parliament. The text transposes the European directive on agency work (2008/104/EC, see article No. 080986)

Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
Catherine Chavanier (CDC Habitat): “Social dialogue on AI facilitates its deployment”
In February, CDC Habitat (10,500 employees) signed a two-year framework agreement governing social dialogue on AI. Catherine Chavanier, HR Director of the subsidiary of CDC (Caisse des dépôts et...
EU: Council adopts position on simplifying AI rules
The Council of the EU approved its position on 13 March regarding the “omnibus regulation” proposal, published last November by the Commission to simplify the AI Act. Confirming the...
20 March 2026
Germany: menopause issues finally gain corporate recognition
With 12 million women over 40 in the labour force, German companies and occupational health professionals are beginning to adopt support policies for those affected by menopause-related issues...
Greece: hospitality sector signs first collective agreement aligned with National Social Pact
The hospitality sector (125,000 employees), one of Greece’s largest industries after retail, signed a new two-year collective agreement on 17 March. The text, effective from 1 April 2026...
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
France: government submits draft on pay transparency
On 6 March, the French government sent social partners a draft bill to transpose the EU Pay Transparency Directive. The text provides details on the implementation timetable, corporate...
9 March 2026
2
Spain: report proposes democratising employee participation
On 2 February, Spanish labour minister Yolanda Diaz presented the conclusions of a report on democracy in the workplace. The document, which calls for employees to be given a say in...
25 February 2026
3
Italy: Deliveroo and Glovo targeted by justice over courier working conditions
The Milan Public Prosecutor's Office has ordered two of Italy's leading food delivery platforms, Foodinho (Glovo) and Deliveroo, to be placed under judicial administration. According to...
9 March 2026
4
Germany: menopause issues finally gain corporate recognition
With 12 million women over 40 in the labour force, German companies and occupational health professionals are beginning to adopt support policies for those affected by menopause-related issues...
5
Valérie Decaux (La Poste): “Our older workers policy is based on individualisation to move beyond age-related-stigmatisation”
La Poste Group (nearly 200,000 employees in France) unveiled its first senior employment agreement in late February. The text outlines measures for early retirement assistance, workplace...
6
Sweden: government delays transposition of Pay Transparency Directive
On 11 March, the Swedish government announced it is postponing the transposition of the Pay Transparency Directive. Having originally targeted an entry into force on 1 July 2026, it has conceded a...