Eurofound's COVID-19 EU PolicyWatch collates information on the responses of government and social partners to the crisis, as well as gathering examples of company practices aimed at mitigating the social and economic impacts.
Factsheet for case NO-2020-14/724 – Updated – measures in Norway
Country | Norway , applies nationwide |
Time period | Temporary, 30 March 2020 – 28 February 2022 |
Type | Legislations or other statutory regulations |
Category |
Income protection beyond short-time work
– Extensions of income support to workers not covered by any kind of protection scheme |
Author | Aasmund Arup Seip, FAFO and Eurofound |
Case created | 17 April 2020 (updated 04 February 2022) |
The outbreak of viruses and measures introduced to prevent infection have had major effects in the labour market, and several measures have been implemented to ensure income for those affected. The Storting (parliament) asked the government to introduce a temporary scheme for self-employed and freelancers who are now losing all or part of their income base as a result of the corona pandemic. The regulation (FOR-2020-04-08-735) takes effect immediately and the payments will be disbursed as soon as NAV gets a technical solution in place for the scheme.
A compensation scheme for self-employed persons and freelancers who have lost all, or part of their income was approved by the government on 8 April. The new temporary scheme covers up to 80% of income, limited up to an annual income of 6G (approx. €50,700) (1G = the basic amount in the national insurance), and applies to income that does not entitle to unemployment benefit. The scheme includes those who have lost income on or after March 16. The compensation is given from day 17 after the loss of income. One must apply in arrears for the loss of income the month before, so that The Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration will know about any income for the month in which the application applies. Generally, the basis for compensation for freelancers is calculated on the basis of an average of the income reported to the Tax Administration via the current “a-scheme” in the last 12 months before March 2020. A shorter period can be used for newly established freelancers. Generally, the basis for compensation to self-employed persons is calculated on the basis of business income over the past three income years. The application is due in early May. The Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration is already in the process of creating a digital solution that allows payments to be made automatically. The application is due in early May. Those applying for the new scheme will receive detailed guidance along the way in the application process.
The following updates to this measure have been made after it came into effect.
14 December 2021 |
On 8 and 14 December 2021, the government announced that it would extend the compensation scheme for self-employed and freelancers until 28 February 2022. The proposals require a decision in the parliament. The government will present a proposition to the Storting in January 2022. |
05 March 2021 |
In accordance with a proposition of 15 January 2021 and a temporary act of 5 March 2021, the compensation scheme for the self-employed and freelancers who have lost income as a result of COVID-19 outbreaks was continued through 1 October 2021. |
23 October 2020 |
23 October 2020, the parliament decided to extend the compensation scheme for self-employed and freelancers until February 2021, but the compensation benefit will be reduced from 80% to 60% from 1 November 2020. |
12 June 2020 |
The 12 June 2020, a temporary law, valid through 1 November 2020, replaced the temporary government regulation. |
No information to date.
Workers | Businesses | Citizens |
---|---|---|
Self-employed
Workers in non-standard forms of employment |
Does not apply to businesses | Does not apply to citizens |
Actors | Funding |
---|---|
National government
Public employment service |
National funds
|
Social partners' role in designing the measure and form of involvement:
Trade unions | Employers' organisations | |
---|---|---|
Role | Consulted | Consulted |
Form | Direct consultation outside a formal body | Direct consultation outside a formal body |
Social partners' role in the implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:
The social partners have been consulted regularly during design and implementation of the measure.
The measure have support from the social partners.
Citation
Eurofound (2020), Temporary income assurance scheme for self-employed and freelancers, case NO-2020-14/724 (measures in Norway), COVID-19 EU PolicyWatch, Dublin, http://eurofound.link/covid19eupolicywatch
Disclaimer: This information has not been subject to the full Eurofound evaluation, editorial and publication process. All information is preliminary and subject to change.