Danish government outlines labour law reforms for 2025 / 2026

At a glance

• The Danish government has unveiled its legislative programme for the 2025/2026 parliamentary year, with several proposals affecting employment law.
• A key proposal would amend the Working Environment Act to delay employers’ duty to report workplace accidents until the third day of employee absence.
• New measures aim to combat social dumping and support asbestos regulation through amendments to the Posting of Employees Act.
• The Product Register, which tracks hazardous substances, is proposed to be abolished to streamline regulatory oversight.
• A new business scheme under the Aliens Act would ease employment processes for certified companies with fair labour practices.

On 7 October 2025, the Danish government presented its legislative programme for the 2025 / 2026 parliamentary year. The programme outlines a range of proposed bills, several of which are relevant to labour and employment law.

Key proposals include:

• Amendment of the Working Environment and Workers' Compensation Acts: Employers would only be required to report workplace accidents from the third day of an employee’s absence, rather than the first. This bill is expected in the first half of October.
• Amendments to the Working Environment and Posting of Employees Acts: A bill aimed at strengthening efforts against social dumping and supporting Denmark’s national asbestos strategy is anticipated in the second half of December 2025.
• Amendment of the Working Environment Act: The government proposes abolishing the Product Register, which contains data on hazardous substances, with a bill expected in the second half of January 2026.
• Amendment of the Aliens Act: A new business scheme is proposed for certified companies with compliant salary and employment conditions, with a bill expected in the second half of February 2026.

EU Pay Transparency Directive

The EU Pay Transparency Directive, which introduces new employer obligations, must be implemented in Danish law by 7 June 2026. However, the legislative programme does not currently include a bill for its implementation. It remains unclear whether a bill will be introduced or if the deadline will be extended.

We continue to monitor developments and will provide updates on relevant legislative changes in the labour and employment law space.