The government has proposed several new measures to prevent and counteract work-related crime. This article highlights three of the proposed measures.

Penalising wage theft

The government proposes to penalise wage theft. Wage theft is a fairly new concept and covers instances where employers:

  • fail to pay wages or other remuneration to employees;
  • pay too little to employees;
  • demand repayment of wages already paid; and
  • temporarily lay off employees and simultaneously demand that employees work for free during the temporary lay-off period.

The government proposes the introduction of new penal provisions for wage theft with an upper penalty of six years' imprisonment. In addition, the government proposes that the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority be authorised to issue an order for the payment of a statutory minimum wage. The proposal includes penalties in the form of imprisonment or fines for employers which fail to establish an occupational pension scheme. Occupational pension schemes must also meet the minimum requirements set out in the Act on Mandatory Occupational Pensions.

No more cash payments

The government also proposes the introduction of a requirement that wages must, as a general rule, be paid into employees' accounts via a bank transfer. This requirement will contribute to reducing the extent of undeclared work and improve employees' financial situations.

Approval of certain businesses

The government proposes that companies which carry out manual car washing or tire changes must be approved by the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority in order to be able to conduct business. The proposal aims to limit rogue actors and improve employee working conditions in this industry.

Next steps

Parliament will now consider the proposals.