Flexicurity is in effect in Denmark: “It’s very easy for employers to hire, but it’s also very easy to fire.”
A labor reform that the Portuguese Government wants to achieve is partially inspired by the flexicurity, the model that is in force in Denmark.
There are some central points in this Danish system: flexible labor market, wage security, active labor market policies and lifelong learning programs.
The unemployment fund, the confidence in support, the ease of hiring – and firing too.
The explanations are given by Laust Hogedahl, professor in Aalborg and specialist in the labor market: “Whoever is unemployed receives a generous salary from the unemployment fund” – the Unemployment benefit is 90% of the previous salary for up to two years.
In an interview with , Laust highlights the trust of Danish workers in unemployment support.
“In Denmark, It’s very easy for employers to hire, but it’s also very easy to fire. What we have, instead of worker protection, is wage protection. These are the two key points of the Flexicurity model: a very flexible labor market and salary security”, he analyzes.
The expert highlights that Flexicurity has active labor market policies, with qualification and professional outplacement programs.
I.e, “those who are fired receive trainingto acquire new skills, in order to re-enter the job market, in less reinforced sectors”.
There is another central point: lifelong learning. “You can receive training while you work, to be able to take on roles in sectors that are in need of labor”, he explains.
Denmark has another type of worker “safety net.” I.e, Those who become unemployed know that there is no obvious drop in income and know that they must return to work quickly.
“The philosophy of Flexicurity is that there has to be a balance between flexible market laws and wage protection for workers”, summarizes Laust Hogedahl, in a country, Denmark, where the great tuning between workers, unions and politicians. Everyone with a “healthy relationship” because everyone knows that this model “serves Denmark”.
