News and current topics from various practice areas and industries

The first paragraph of section 14-9 in the Norwegian Working Environment Act establishes the fundamental principle regarding permanent employment. According to the Norwegian government, a high percentage of permanent employment will contribute to more productive, adaptable, and competitive businesses.

Artificial intelligence (AI) presents opportunities and challenges for businesses. While AI can offer significant benefits, and the risk of not implementing AI can also be perceived as high by many, it is crucial to understand and address the associated legal risks to ensure compliance and ethical AI development. Failure to adhere to legal requirements, or to take proper account of them when planning an AI strategy, can also limit an enterprise’s ability to harness the potential of AI.

As the number business enterprises in Norway have chosen to organize themselves into corporations or corporation-like structures increases, it became necessary to amend employment guidelines in the Working Environment Act.

Following the Norwegian Agricultural Agency’s ruling in favor of Hydropower AS in the appeal against the County Governor’s decision, the company has completed the construction of the solar power plant, and power production is in full swing.

With the expansion of digitalisation, large and small businesses are increasingly vulnerable to security breaches and the threat of data attacks, as well as the misuse of personal data.

Many owners of real estate conglomerates are currently considering making capital changes to reduce the wealth tax for 2023.

In recent years the traditional employment relationships have evolved. Enterprises are incorporating new methods of recruitment based on market analysis, whilst also attempting to be less burdensome both economically and practically than traditional employment relationships. Although alternative methods of affiliation can be beneficial, they can also pose risks for groups that would otherwise benefit from labour rights and social protection afforded to employees.

Today, the Supreme Court ruled on the so-called ACER case, where the central question was whether the Constitution was violated when the Norwegian Parliament, in 2018, consented by a simple majority to include the EU’s third energy market package in the EEA Agreement. The conclusion of the Supreme Court is that the transfer of authority that took place was of little interference, and therefore, the Parliament did not violate the Constitution’s rules.

Safety representative arrangements are a crucial part of companies’ efforts to ensure the safety, health, and welfare of employees. Chapter 6 of the Working Environment Act contains a duty to appoint safety representatives, and currently, exceptions to this duty are only permitted in busi-nesses with fewer than ten employees. From January 1, 2024, the scope of the safety representa-tive arrangement will be expanded.