Government to simplify part-time job rules
The Danish government is expected to present a proposal next week aiming to simplify the regulations for part-time jobs, facilitating more work opportunities for the youth. Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, and Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen highlighted the complexity of current laws in a joint interview with Jyllands-Posten. Current rules entail quirky restrictions, like prohibiting a young worker from placing fruit out for children in a kindergarten, or from operating a soft ice cream machine if they haven’t completed 9th grade. The government proposes these changes could help mitigate issues like youth dissatisfaction and crime by providing the feeling of being valued and learning to follow orders. The proposal is welcomed by the industry, with Anders Just Pedersen from Danish Industry expressing that allowing use of tools like electric screwdrivers could make jobs more interesting and provide better understanding of the work environment.