Denmark : Job market

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.

In spite of the recession, Denmark is still considered by many to be one of the best places to be employed in Europe, as far as employee welfare is concerned (Ice News, 2010).

Historically low levels of unemployment have risen sharply with the recession. Denmark is likely to make a slow and modest recovery, though unemployment is likely to rise through 2010 (World Fact Book, July 2010).

• 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 speaks 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.

Where can I work?

• Major industries: food processing, shipbuilding, chemicals, machinery and transportation equipment, textiles and clothing.
• Recent growth areas: wind turbine industries and manufacturing for global export.
• Industries in decline: business investment.
• Shortage occupations: engineers, various medical professions within the healthcare, management, IT and communications occupations. Social work and special needs 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), FLSmidth & Co (construction) - taken from Forbes ranking.
• Search for more companies: Kompass is a worldwide business directory searchable by country and product/service. The Danish-UK Chamber of Commerce may contain information on companies in Denmark. For additional information, check the Yellow Pages Denmark.
• Major cities: Copenhagen (capital and largest), Aarhus, Odense and Aalborg.

What’s it like working in Denmark?

• Average working hours: normally 37 hours a week.
• Holidays: Statutory minimum of five weeks’ leave entitlement and in some cases of collective agreement six weeks are given.
• Tax rates: Denmark is currently the highest taxed country in the world, along with Sweden. It has a graduated taxation system, meaning 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 cooperation. Employers place a great deal of trust in their employees and allow them a high degree of flexibility with regard to working hours. Companies offer good working conditions and most offer continuing education and see the development of qualifications as a high priority.