A new bill on employee accommodation was passed during its third reading in the Danish Parliament on Thursday. The law establishes new minimum standards for housing provided by employers to their employees in Denmark. The aim is to guarantee health-safe living conditions for workers who often depend on employer-provided housing. An example is FLC Village in Rødbyhavn, where more than 1,300 tunnel workers are housed.
Stricter standards for housing
The new law requires employers to ensure that accommodations meet a set of specific standards. These include access to drinking water and toilets, adequate heating, sufficient daylight, and proper ventilation. Additionally, no more than two people are allowed to share a living space, with certain exceptions, such as when the accommodation is shared by a family.
The law also stipulates that housing must provide protection against cold, dampness, heat, and noise, as well as maintain a satisfactory indoor climate. These measures are designed to protect employees from harmful living conditions.
Working environment authority as a supervisor
The Danish Working Environment Authority (Arbejdstilsynet) will oversee compliance with the new rules. The Authority has the power to conduct inspections, request documentation, and issue orders if accommodations fail to meet the standards. Employers who fail to comply with orders may face fines, and repeated or serious violations could result in harsher penalties.
Furthermore, the Authority has the right to carry out inspections without a court order if necessary to ensure compliance with the law.
Effective from 2025
The law will take effect on July 1, 2025, giving employers time to ensure their accommodations meet the new standards. The housing provided at FLC Village in Rødbyhavn, where many foreign employees reside, already complies with the requirements of the new law.
Parliamentary support
The law was passed with 92 votes in favor, 16 against, and one abstention. The law is supported by the Social Democrats, Venstre, the Denmark Democrats, the Socialist People’s Party, the Moderates, the Red-Green Alliance, the Social Liberal Party, the Danish People’s Party, the Alternative, and independent MP Jon Stephensen.
Employment Minister Ane Halsboe-Jørgensen (Social Democrats) highlighted in her parliamentary speech that the law ensures a “dignified minimum standard” for accommodations and serves as a vital tool in combating social dumping trends, particularly in the construction and infrastructure sectors.
The 16 votes against came from the Liberal Alliance, the Conservative People’s Party, and independent MP Jeppe Søe.
