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 Denmark: Job market
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What are my chances of getting a job?The Danish labour market is known for its flexibility. International surveys by the World Bank and the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) have for years ranked the Danish labour market as one of the most flexible in the world and allows employers to adjust employees given market demands. Around 250,000 Danish jobs may be eliminated each year, but at least as many are created. The turnover rate is consequently high. Approximately 800,000 Danes change jobs each year (Denmark Limited: Global by Design). The rate of unemployment is historically low and, at the same time, the level of security for employees on the Danish labour market is high. - Typical problems encountered: Employers may prefer Danish citizens as they are often fluent in more than one language.
- How to improve your chances: relevant work experience may increase your chances of being hired. It may be a good idea to gain this experience before moving to Denmark.
- Language requirements: the majority of the population speak English, but knowledge of Danish is very useful when looking for employment or studying. For some specialised fields, such as science and technology, it may not be essential to speak Danish, but in most others it will almost always be required. Some employers may appoint graduates with relatively little knowledge of Danish, but they will almost certainly expect you to learn Danish once you have arrived.
back to top Where can I work?- Major industries: shipping, tourism, brewing.
- Recent growth areas: biotechnology, information technology, computer software, pharmaceutical industries.
- Industries in decline: agriculture.
- Shortage occupations: public sector occupations including labourers in the construction and metal industries as well as occupations in the healthcare sector and hospitals, particularly doctors, nurses, social workers, and nursing auxiliaries/associate professionals.
- Major companies: Mxller- Maersk (transportation), Danske Bank group (banking), TDC Group (telecom services), Novo Nordisk (drugs and biotechnology), Carlsberg (food, drink, tobacco), Jyske Bank (banking), Danisco (food, drink, tobacco), H Lundbeck (drugs and biotechnology), ALK-Abello (drugs and biotechnology), Sydbank (banking), Torm (transportation) (taken from Forbes ranking).
- Search for more companies: Kompass is a worldwide business directory searchable by country and product/service. The The Danish-UK Chamber of Commerce may contain information on companies in Denmark. You may also find Wikipedia - list of companies in Denmark and Wikipedia - Economy of Denmark useful. For additional information, check the Yellow Pages Denmark.
- Major cities: Copenhagen (capital and largest), Arhus and Odense.
back to top What’s it like working in Denmark?- Average working hours: normally 37 hours a week
- Holidays: five weeks in the private sector and six weeks in the public sector.
- Tax rates: Denmark has a graduated taxation. That means that the more one earns, the more tax one pays. There is, however, a tax ceiling of 59% to state, county and municipality. Key employees and researchers may benefit from a 25% tax band.
- Working practices and customs: Danish working culture is team oriented and the working environment is characterised by open and informal manners. Companies offer good working conditions and most offer continuing education and see the development of qualifications as a high priority.
back to top What are the next steps?
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