Employment Law News – What’s new in Swedish Employment Law (First Quarter 2018)

Employers’ right to require a copy of candidates’ criminal record will be reviewed

It has become more and more common for employers to request candidates to present a copy of their criminal record. The Swedish government has therefore appointed a special investigator to investigate the need for a prohibition for employers to require candidates to present a copy of their criminal record, unless it is required by law. The review shall be completed on 31 January 2019.

Contractors’ responsibility for wage claims in the construction industry

On 16 February 2018, the Swedish government proposed a bill on greater responsibilities for wage claims for contractors. The purpose with the proposed bill is to protect the salaries of employees and to counter unfair competition on the market.

According to the bill, an employee working for a subcontractor and who does not get paid for his work shall be able to direct his wage claim towards the subcontractor who engaged his employer or the head contractor. The new rules are proposed to enter into force on 1 August 2018.

New act on trade secretes presented to the Parliament

On 8 February 2018, the government presented a bill on a new act regarding strengthened protection against the misappropriation of trade secrets. The bill is based on an EU directive and was submitted to the Parliament on 21 March 2018. The proposed act will make it possible to claim damages in more situations and more actions will be regarded as misappropriation of trade secrets.

The act shall not limit employees’ right to report any misconducts (whistleblowing) and companies will have a greater responsibility to inform employees of what they consider to be confidential information. The new act is proposed to enter into force on 9 June 2018.

Cecilia Bergman, Associate

If you would like more information, or specific advice, please contact our L&E team.