uppsagnar

Uppsägningar refer to the act of terminating a contract or employment. The term is used for both resignations by employees and terminations by employers, and it can apply to various types of agreements beyond employment.

Legal framework and scope

In Sweden, uppsägningar are primarily regulated by the Employment Protection Act (lag om anställningsskydd, LAS). LAS outlines when terminations are permitted and sets minimum notice periods. The rules can be complemented or extended by collective agreements or individual employment contracts. In cases of collective redundancies or other substantial changes, employers may have additional duties to consult with unions and, in some situations, notify public authorities.

Types of uppsägningar

- Egen uppsägning: when an employee voluntarily resigns from their position. This typically ends the employment contract after the agreed or legally required notice period.

- Upp­sägning från arbetsgivare: when the employer terminates the employment. This can be based on arbetsbrist (restructuring or redundancy) or personliga skäl (personal reasons such as performance issues). In many situations, the law requires reasonable grounds and may impose formal requirements for the termination process.

- Omplacering and turordning: before a layoff, employers are often expected to explore suitable alternatives within the organization, and redundancies may follow a defined order, particularly in collective dismissals.

Notice periods and form

Notice periods depend on tenure and can be influenced by collective agreements. They are intended to provide time for the other party to adjust. While practices vary, many terminations are accompanied by a written notice and a specified last day of employment.

Effects and aftercare

Upon termination, employees may be eligible for unemployment benefits, severance pay if provided by contract or agreement, and access to outplacement or career services in some cases. The handling of uppsägningar aims to balance the interests of both parties and to minimize disputes.

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