1. Who does the Working Hours Act apply to in Sweden?
The Working Hours Act in Sweden applies to most employees who perform work for an employer in Sweden. It covers both private and public sector employers in Sweden, unless a specific exemption applies under the law, such as for senior managerial roles or certain transport-related occupations.
2. Which employees are excluded from working hours rules in Sweden?
Working hours rules in Sweden do not apply to senior executives, employees who independently manage their own working time, household employees, shipboard workers, or workers covered by separate transport legislation in Sweden. These exclusions exist because traditional working time supervision is not practical in these roles.
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3. What is the maximum regular working time allowed in Sweden?
Regular working time in Sweden must not exceed 40 hours per week. Where work demands flexibility, employers in Sweden may average working hours to 40 hours per week over a period of up to four weeks, as long as this arrangement complies with the Working Hours Act.
4. What counts as on-call time under the Working Hours Act in Sweden?
On-call time in Sweden refers to periods when an employee must remain at the workplace and be available to work if required. On-call time in Sweden is limited to 48 hours over four weeks or 50 hours per calendar month and excludes time spent actively working.
5. How is overtime regulated under Swedish working hours law?
Overtime in Sweden means work performed beyond regular working hours or on-call time. Employers in Sweden may use up to 200 hours of general overtime per employee each year, with additional overtime allowed only in exceptional cases and within strict monthly and weekly limits.
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6. What is the total working time limit for employees in Sweden?
Total working time in Sweden, including regular hours, overtime, and additional time, may not exceed an average of 48 hours per week over a reference period of up to four months. Paid leave and sickness absence in Sweden are included when calculating this working time limit.
7. What daily and weekly rest periods are required in Sweden?
Employees in Sweden are legally entitled to at least 11 consecutive hours of daily rest within every 24-hour period and a minimum uninterrupted weekly rest period of 36 hours. These rest requirements in Sweden are mandatory unless temporary, legally permitted exceptions apply.
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8. What are the working hour limits for night workers in Sweden?
Night workers in Sweden may work a maximum average of eight hours per 24-hour period over a four-month reference period. If night work in Sweden involves special risks or heavy physical or mental strain, working time must never exceed eight hours in any 24-hour period.
9. What working hours records must employers keep in Sweden?
Employers in Sweden are required to keep accurate records of on-call time, overtime, and additional working hours. Employees and trade union representatives in Sweden have the right to review these records, and authorities may request them to verify compliance with working time regulations.
10. What are the penalties for violating working hours laws in Sweden?
Employers in Sweden who violate working hours regulations may face orders, prohibitions, or financial penalties from the Swedish Work Environment Authority. Financial penalties in Sweden can apply even without intent, and serious breaches may result in further legal consequences.
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