Danish Disability Law and Policy in The Field of Employment (Danish Report)

Abstract

In Denmark, the labour market has traditionally been governed by the Danish flexicurity model consisting of relatively weak protection against dismissal and relatively strong support for persons who are not in employment. Consequently, reduced working capacity has, as a rule, been considered a just ground for dismissal. The EU Framework Equality Directive challenges the traditional laxity in relation to dismissals due to reduced working capacity when it is related to disability. Traditionally, employment promotional schemes targeting the employment of persons with disabilities have been relatively generous. However new austerity measures have led to cut-backs in these schemes. In sum, the Danish flexicurity model is being challenged both as regards flexibility and security.