Tilkallingsvikar

Tilkallingsvikar is a term used to describe a person employed on an on-call basis to cover for absent or unavailable staff. The arrangement is common in sectors with routine staff shortages or irregular absences, such as education, childcare, healthcare, and municipal services. A tilkallingsvikar is typically called in to work on short notice and may be scheduled for varying hours, depending on the employer’s needs.

The employment is usually organized so that the worker has no guaranteed regular hours, and pay is based on actual hours worked. Contracts may be established directly with the employer or through temporary staffing agencies. Rights and benefits, including pay, vacation, and pension contributions, are determined by local labor laws and applicable collective agreements. The role requires flexibility, reliability, and the ability to adapt to different workplaces and routines with limited onboarding time.

Tilkallingsvikar differs from permanent or fixed-term staff in that there is no long-term commitment to provide work. Instead, the arrangement serves as a flexible staffing solution to maintain operations during staff absences or peak periods. In practice, the frequency and predictability of work can vary, which can affect income stability and access to certain employee benefits.

Common criticisms of tilkallingsvikar arrangements include income instability and limited access to training or career progression. Supportive policies, fair scheduling practices, and clear rights under labor law can mitigate some of these issues.