Denmark in need of foreign labour… Michael Jerking The Danish Society of Engineers The 28th of November, 2007

Part 1: General introduction to Denmark Why Danish companies are in need of workers Part 2 The Danish labour market Where and how to find jobs Practical information Questions Programme

Size: km2 5.4 million citizens Close to nature, culture and city life Currency: 1 € = 7.45 DKK Agricultural export Design, fashion and architecture Windmill industry Biotech Small is Beautiful

Why are Danish companies in need of foreign workers? - the challenges of the labour market

Outside Inside Why care about labour force? Fewer to support more

Labour shortages Private firms are asked if they within the latest year have experienced problems finding sufficient labour

The current situation Unsuccesfull recruitments 1. kvt 2006: positions 1. kvt 2007: positions Unoccupied vacancies and unemployment among engineers

Unemployment is historical low in DK Harmonized unemployment – seasonally adjusted

Open door policy? Danish policy on foreign workers EU and Nordic citizens are free to work in Denmark Eastern European citizens need work permits (no shortage required) Third country citizens need work permits (labour shortage required) But, no quotas New green card scheme adopted

Recruiting foreign labour force

Good experience with foreign labour

Why work in Denmark ?

Why Expats love Denmark Happiest population High quality of life Clean Green Safe Social security Everyone speaks English Plenty of spare time

The Danish Labour Market 37 hrs./week Holidays – min. 5 weeks per year + 9 public holidays High salaries € BT (Entry level) Low unemployment rate – app. 3% Equal opportunities High employment rate

The Danish Labour Market The Flexicurity Model High mobility / turn over in the labour market High level of security Strong labour organisation on both sides of the industry High level of unionisation (80 pct) Long tradition for collective bargaining – since 1899 High regulation by collective agreements - few by law

Informal atmosphere Flat hierarchy – responsibility is delegated Team work Professional development – rewarding Working language - English or Danish Effectiveness and efficiency Wide use of technology Social events and activities Working Culture

Participation in Continuing Education Per cent of employed, 2006 NOTE: Covers non-formal job-related continuing education and training over the previous 12 months. SOURCE: OECD (2006).

Job Satisfaction Per cent of employed, 2006 NOTE: The figures show the rate of employed who are satisfied or very satisfied with their occupation. SOURCE: EFILWC (2007).

Salaries Relatively high salaries Collective agreements Private negotiation and employment contract Be well aware of what the contract contains

Taxation Min. 39% on a salary of approx € Progressive income tax system. Max. 60% 25% tax scheme for key employees and researchers VAT 25% Danes are happy to pay taxes – value for money Danes prefer welfare to tax reductions

Expenses

Unmet Labour Demand Engineers Health sector: Medical doctors Physicists, biophysicists Chemists Pharmacists Economists Accountants Auditors Mathematicians Statisticians IT

Job Search (Info and jobs) (Info and jobs) (Info and jobs) (Jobs for Engineers and IT specialists) Company websites

CV and Cover Letter CV: Emphasis on experience Cover letter: Brief (1-2 pages) An answer to the advertisement. The value you bring to the company Application by Interview – preparation is everything Check company website Speculative / unsolicited application

Information and Advice EURES in Italy EURES Denmark, Specialist Unit, Danish Society of Engineers,

Main reasons to work in Denmark 1. Plenty of well paid, developing and challenging jobs 2. High salaries and short working days 3. Work with advanced technologies 4. Safe and well functioning society 5. High quality of life

why seasonal work in Denmark? working together with people from many different countries earn good money

May – August  piecework, hard work! June – August  piecework August – November  pr. hour September – December  piecework

Before you apply transition period for members of the new EU-countries need working permit, but not if the employer offers a contract with payment according to tariffs working- and residence permit expires when your contract ends you as well as the employer will have to fill in special application forms employer will help you with the papers

How to apply only 1 way to be registered: online on we contact you when we have a job for you we send your CV to the employer employer calls you for the details: when, where, etc …

remember your id.number !!

wages/conditions strawberries: piecework about € 0,80/kilo (depending on several factors) below average – loose job?! apples, pears, cherries and similar fruit: piecework basis or by the hour working hours: about 37 pr. week (weather!) - mostly 6 day week for strawberrypicking, starting at 5 pm camp site with cooking, bathing, and toilet facilities

from : make your cv on

until :

Good jobpossibilities Building: carpenters, plumbers, electricians Metal: cnc, carmechanics Healthcare: nurses, doctors Service: cooks, waiters, bakers, sales personel

Velkommen i Danmark Jan Vleugel tlf