permittering

Permittering is a form of temporary layoff used in Sweden when there is a shortfall of work or a need to reorganize, allowing an employee to stop working for a period while the employment relationship remains intact. It is distinct from a permanent dismissal, as the intent is to recall the employee when conditions improve.

The practice is governed primarily by the Employment Protection Act (LAS) and is often shaped by collective agreements and individual contracts. The employer must base the decision on objective business reasons and typically involves consultations with the employee and, where applicable, their union. The duration of permittering is generally limited, and many agreements specify how long a stay on permitterad can last and how recall will be scheduled. In workplaces covered by collective agreements, the agreements may also regulate compensation during permittering.

During a permit, the employee is not expected to work for the employer. Whether the employee receives pay during permittering depends on the applicable agreement or contract; some arrangements provide a permitteringslön or partial wage, while others may be unpaid. The employee keeps an ongoing employment relationship and retains the right to be recalled when work becomes available. The status can affect eligibility for certain social benefits or unemployment insurance, so employees are advised to check with their insurer or unemployment fund.

If business conditions do not improve, the employer may eventually terminate the employment under standard dismissal procedures. Permittering thus functions as a temporary measure intended to preserve the employer–employee relationship rather than a permanent exit from employment.