Anställningsskyddslagen

Anställningsskyddslagen, often abbreviated as LAS, is a Swedish law that governs employment relationships. Its primary purpose is to provide a certain level of security for employees and regulate the conditions under which employment can be terminated. The law establishes rules for dismissal, notice periods, and grounds for termination, aiming to create a more balanced power dynamic between employers and employees.

Key provisions of LAS include requirements for employers to have objective reasons for dismissing an employee, such as redundancy or personal circumstances. It also mandates specific notice periods that vary depending on the length of employment. Furthermore, the law emphasizes the principle of last in, first out in cases of redundancy, meaning that the employee who has been employed for the shortest time is typically the first to be dismissed.

LAS also addresses issues related to fixed-term employment, stipulating conditions under which such contracts can be used and converted into permanent positions. The law has undergone several amendments over the years, with ongoing debates about its impact on the labor market and flexibility for employers. Many of the details of LAS can be modified through collective agreements negotiated by trade unions, meaning that the specific rules applicable to an employee can vary depending on their sector and union membership.