If you’re working in Copenhagen you can expect a generous level of benefits that come with your job. Some of the benefits include the following:

Occupational injury: All employees in Denmark are covered by mandatory occupational injury insurance. The employer is responsible for taking out the insurance policy for the employees that covers accidents and short-term damaging exposure. This however does not cover accidents occurring on the way to or from the workplace.

Salary during illness: Salaried employees receive salary during illness. Wage earners who are not entitled to wages during illness receive health benefit from their employer or the local authority. From January 1, 2004, health benefit amounts to a maximum of DKK 3,205 per week.

Unemployment benefits: Employees can receive unemployment benefits if they satisfy certain conditions. For more information, check the Unemployment section.

Maternity leave: There are generous parental benefits in place for those working in Denmark. Pregnant women can take leave for four weeks before the birth and 14 weeks of maternity leave after the birth. A doctor’s statement can allow the pregnant woman to go on leave earlier if it is necessary for reasons of health. The father is entitled to 2 weeks of paternity leave within the first 14 weeks after the birth of the child. When the child is 14 weeks old, the parents are entitled to an additional 32 weeks leave between them. To be entitled for this however, both parents need to be working in Denmark.

Childcare: Day care is offered to children from the age of six months to three years in nursery, from the age of three to the age of six in kindergartens, and at preschool from the age of 6 until they start school. In Copenhagen, a number of international childcare facilities are offered. At many international schools preschool is also offered.

For the latest information, please contact the local municipality about the various childcare options.

Sources:

• http://www.workindenmark.dk