Best Employment Rights Lawyers in Tommerup

About Employment Rights Law in Tommerup, Denmark

Employment rights in Tommerup are governed primarily by Danish national law, collective agreements and individual employment contracts. Tommerup is part of Assens Municipality on the island of Funen, so residents use the same national legal framework as elsewhere in Denmark together with local services such as the municipal job center and union branches on Funen. Danish employment law emphasizes negotiated solutions through trade unions and collective agreements, strong workplace safety rules, statutory protections for most employees and clear rules on holidays and social protections. Many practical disputes are resolved through unions, mediation or administrative bodies before reaching the courts.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer when your employer fails to respect your contractual or statutory rights, when negotiation or a union representative cannot resolve the matter, or when the dispute is complex. Common situations include wrongful dismissal or disputed termination, unpaid wages or holiday pay, discrimination or harassment, workplace injury or long-term illness disputes, disagreement about notice periods or severance, breach of a collective agreement, cross-border employment issues, or when you face investigatory or disciplinary procedures that could affect your future employment. A lawyer can assess legal merits, explain remedies, negotiate settlements, represent you in tribunals or courts and help preserve evidence and procedural rights.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal points to know in Tommerup and across Denmark:

- Employment contracts and written information: Employers must provide written terms that explain main employment conditions. The Employment Contracts Act requires key information to be set out in writing.

- Salaried employees (funktionaer): The Functionaries Act provides special protections for many white-collar employees, including statutory notice periods and some protections around illness and dismissal. Notice periods for employers under this act increase with length of service, for example 1 month initially and up to 6 months for long service, while employees generally give 1 month's notice. The Functionaries Act applies only to employees who meet its definition.

- Holiday rights: The Danish Holiday Act provides paid holiday entitlements; statutory minimum leave is 25 days per year under current rules. A reform introduced concurrent accrual of holiday, but details depend on when the employment started and the exact scheme in force.

- Collective agreements: Many industries and workplaces in Denmark are covered by collective agreements - overenskomster - which set wages, working hours, overtime rules and other benefits. These agreements are negotiated by unions and employers and often provide stronger protections than statutory minimums.

- Health and safety: The Danish Working Environment Authority - Arbejdstilsynet - enforces workplace health and safety rules. Serious safety breaches can lead to inspections and enforcement actions.

- Discrimination and equal treatment: Danish law prohibits discrimination at work on grounds such as sex, race, religion, age, disability and sexual orientation. There are specific procedures and bodies for complaints about discrimination.

- Work injuries and compensation: Work-related injuries and occupational diseases are handled through Danish workers compensation systems and the relevant claims agencies. You may be eligible for compensation, medical support and rehabilitation.

- Dispute resolution: Individual employment disputes are often handled by unions or civil courts, while collective agreement disputes and certain labour law questions can be decided by the Labour Court - Arbejdsretten. Ordinary district courts (byret) and higher courts handle civil claims and appeals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately if I am dismissed?

Collect and keep all documentation - your contract, any written notice, emails, text messages, payslips and performance records. Ask your employer for written confirmation of the reason for dismissal. Contact your union or a lawyer promptly. There are statutory time limits and procedural steps that may be required to preserve rights, so act quickly to avoid losing remedies.

How long is the notice period if my employer wants to terminate my employment?

Notice periods depend on the contract, whether you are covered by the Functionaries Act and any collective agreement. For employees covered by the Functionaries Act, employer notice periods increase with length of service - commonly starting at 1 month and extending to up to 6 months for very long service. Employees often have shorter notice obligations, typically 1 month. Check your contract and any applicable collective agreement to confirm the exact notice period.

Can I be fired while on sick leave or parental leave?

Danish law provides protections for employees on sick leave and on certain forms of parental leave, but these protections are not absolute. Whether dismissal is lawful depends on the reason for dismissal and applicable rules in your contract or collective agreement. If the dismissal is directly linked to your sick leave or parental leave, it may be unlawful. Speak to your union or a lawyer as soon as possible if you face dismissal during protected leave.

What can I do if my employer has not paid my wages or holiday pay?

First, raise the matter formally in writing with your employer and retain copies. If there is no prompt payment, contact your union or a lawyer for advice. Many employees will involve the union before starting legal proceedings. You may pursue a civil claim for unpaid wages in the district court or rely on union procedures if a collective agreement applies. Time limits apply, so do not delay.

How do collective agreements affect my rights?

Collective agreements can set important terms such as wages, working hours, overtime pay, pensions and notice rules that are stronger than statutory minima. If your workplace or sector is covered by an overenskomst, that agreement will often govern dispute resolution and provide union support. Always check whether a collective agreement applies to you and consult the relevant union for guidance.

Am I protected from discrimination at work?

Yes. Danish law prohibits discrimination on grounds such as sex, race, religion, age, disability and sexual orientation. If you believe you have been discriminated against, document what happened, gather witnesses and evidence, and contact your union, employer representative or a lawyer. There are complaint mechanisms and administrative bodies that can handle discrimination claims.

What remedies are available if I have been wrongfully dismissed?

Possible remedies include reinstatement in limited circumstances, compensation for lost earnings, payment for unpaid notice or severance depending on contract and applicable law, and damages for breach of contract. Remedies often depend on whether you are covered by the Functionaries Act, a collective agreement or general contract law. Unions frequently negotiate settlements or represent members in tribunals.

How long do I have to bring an employment claim?

Time limits vary by the type of claim. Some contractual claims are subject to general limitation periods, while statutory and tribunal deadlines can be shorter. For example, claims under collective agreements or for certain labour disputes may need to be raised quickly. Because deadlines vary, contact a union or lawyer as soon as possible to determine precise time limits that apply to your case.

What should I bring to my first meeting with a lawyer or union representative?

Bring your employment contract, payslips, any notice of termination, written communications with your employer, performance appraisals, absence records, collective agreement details if available, and any witness contact information. A clear chronology of events is also very helpful. This documentation lets a legal adviser assess your case efficiently and advise on next steps.

Can I get legal aid or free legal help for an employment dispute?

Legal aid in Denmark depends on means and the type of case. Many employees receive legal assistance through their trade union, which often covers legal representation in employment disputes. Free or subsidized legal advice may also be available through municipal services or advice centers for those who qualify. Ask your union about coverage and check with local municipal services in Assens for advice availability.

Additional Resources

Useful local and national resources to consult when seeking employment rights advice:

- Assens Municipality job center and citizen services for practical employment support and registration requirements.

- Trade unions relevant to your sector - for example, unions for service workers, industrial workers, white-collar workers and public sector employees. Unions often provide legal advice, negotiation support and representation.

- The Danish Working Environment Authority - for health and safety issues and workplace inspections.

- Labour Court - for disputes concerning collective agreements and specific labour law questions.

- District courts for civil claims related to contract and wrongful dismissal disputes.

- Danish workers compensation and occupational injury bodies for work-related injury claims.

Next Steps

1. Preserve evidence - save contracts, payslips, emails, messages and any relevant records. A clear timeline of events helps your case.

2. Contact your trade union - if you are a member, your union will often be the quickest and most practical first step for advice and representation.

3. Seek initial legal advice - consider an employment lawyer if you are not in a union or if the matter is complex. Ask about fees, retainer terms and whether the lawyer offers an initial consultation.

4. Consider alternative dispute resolution - mediation or negotiation can resolve disputes faster and with less cost than court proceedings.

5. Act promptly - statutory time limits and procedural steps can bar remedies if delayed. Even if you are unsure about the strength of your case, early advice preserves options.

6. Use local support - contact the municipal job center and other local services in Assens for practical guidance on benefits, registration and support during or after employment loss.

If you need legal assistance, start by documenting your situation, contacting your union and booking an initial consultation with an employment lawyer who understands Danish employment law and the local context in Tommerup and Assens Municipality.