Employees in Svalbard and Jan Mayen, which are largely governed by the Norwegian Holiday Act, have certain rights when it comes to vacation leave. The standard rule is that employees are entitled to 25 working days of paid vacation leave each year. It's important to remember that Saturdays are considered regular working days when calculating leave. Employees over the age of 60 have an increased entitlement, receiving an additional week (6 working days) of paid vacation leave.

Entitlement

The standard rule is that employees are entitled to 25 working days of paid vacation leave each year. Saturdays are considered regular working days for the purpose of calculating leave. Employees over the age of 60 have an increased entitlement, receiving an additional week (6 working days) of paid vacation leave.

Vacation Pay

In addition to their regular salary, employees are entitled to vacation pay during their leave. This is typically calculated as 10.2% of the gross earnings of the previous year, although some sectors may have a higher percentage, up to 12%.

Vacation Timing

The timing of vacations is usually agreed upon by employers and employees. At least two weeks of the vacation period must be consecutive.

Unused Vacation Time

Unused vacation time, in principle, must be taken in the subsequent year. However, special circumstances may allow for carryover with the approval of the employer.

In Svalbard and Jan Mayen, a variety of public holidays are observed throughout the year.

New Year's Day

This holiday is celebrated on January 1st.

Maundy Thursday

This is the Thursday before Easter Sunday. The date varies each year.

Good Friday

Good Friday is the Friday before Easter Sunday. The date varies annually.

Easter Sunday and Easter Monday

Easter Sunday's date varies each year. Easter Monday, which is the day after Easter Sunday, is also a public holiday.

Labor Day

Labor Day is observed on May 1st.

Constitution Day

Constitution Day, which celebrates Norway's constitution, is observed on May 17th.

Ascension Day

Ascension Day is observed 39 days after Easter Sunday. The date varies each year.

Whit Sunday and Whit Monday

Whit Sunday is observed 49 days after Easter Sunday, and Whit Monday is observed 50 days after Easter Sunday. Both dates vary annually.

Christmas Day and Boxing Day

Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25th, followed by Boxing Day on December 26th.

In Svalbard and Jan Mayen, employees are entitled to various types of leave. These include annual leave, sick leave, maternity leave, paternity leave, parental leave, care leave, and educational leave.

Annual Leave

Employees are entitled to 25 working days of paid annual leave per year, with Saturdays included in the calculation. Workers over 60 years of age receive an additional week (6 working days). This is governed by the Norwegian Holiday Act.

Sick Leave

Employees are entitled to paid sick leave from the first day of illness upon providing medical certification. Sick leave compensation is employer-funded for the first 16 days and subsequently covered by the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme. This is according to the Norwegian National Insurance Act.

Maternity Leave

Mothers are entitled to paid maternity leave, usually with three options for duration and compensation levels. This is also covered by the Norwegian National Insurance Act.

Paternity Leave

Fathers have a right to paid paternity leave after the birth of a child. This includes a reserved quota of leave specifically for fathers. This is also governed by the Norwegian National Insurance Act.

Parental Leave

In addition to maternity and paternity leave, parents are entitled to shared parental leave for caregiving. This is covered by the Norwegian Working Environment Act.

Other Notable Leave Types

Care Leave

Employees may have the right to take leave to care for sick dependents.

Educational Leave

Employees may be able to take leave for educational purposes.

Important Considerations

The length and specific pay rates for many leaves are governed by the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme. Some sectors may have additional leave provisions negotiated in collective bargaining agreements.