Norway - EAPM

Norway

HR Norge

Other information

President (Non-Executive):	Wenche Hagan, E-mail: whaganeapmatbroadparkeapmdotno
Executive Director:	Even Bolstad, E-mail: eveneapmdotbolstadeapmathrnorgeeapmdotno
Date Association Founded:	January 2002 (merger between SPO, founded 1958, and NIPA, founded 1967)
National Employers' Association:	http://www.nho.no/
National Unions' Association:	http://www.lo.no/
Government Employment Office:	http://www.nav.no/
Total Number Of Members:	2850
Membership Categories:	Corporation, Company, individual, student
Number of Regional Branches:	None. Close co-operation with several autonomous local and regional HR networks)
Title of Primary Publication and Frequency of Issue:	Personal og Ledelse (HR and leadership), 8 per year
Other Activities:	About 40 courses and 8 conferences a year, HRM study and Labour legislation study both with 15 credits, Recruitmetn study - 10 credits, advisory activities for members, surveys and research, weekly electronic newsletter
Annual National Conference Dates:	PersonalForum – autumn 2012
Major events:	Personnel Conference for Public Sector, in January 2013

Country Profile 2005

Real GDP Growth: 2005: 3-4 %
Inflation rate:
- 1-1½ % - slightly increasing. (Tax increase on goods and service gives
- about ½ present higher inflation than 2004. Low inflation rate mainly due to a fall in prices on imported goods (higher market share to low cost producers as China) and lower prices on electricity.
Trends: Positive development in the economy. Both for the private and public sector partly because of high oil and gas-prices and a low interest rate.

Party in power: There is a minority coalition in power – Conservatives, Christian Democratic party, Liberal party
Changes over the last 12 months: none
Major issues on the agenda:
- Norway has an election in 2005. The labour party, which traditionally has dominated the political arena since WW II, might win this election and govern with support by the left wing and the greens.
- The Norwegain relation to the EU is an upcoming major political issue
- Reform of the funding of the retirement/pension.
- A rich state combined with powerty in the municipal area. The municipal areas get more tasks from the state but the funding is lacking.
- Free movement of labour in EU has created a debate about minimum wages and health and safety regulations. There is an urge to secure Norwegian standards with out breaking the free movement of labour agreement.

Employment rate: 2005: approx. 74% (+1%)
Unemployment rate: 4%
- Increasing unemployment within the health sector.
- Regional differences – higher unemployment rate in the rural areas.
- Graduates from university have problems with finding relevant work with in most fields.
Jobs growth: The trend is that job growth is slightly increasing.
The economical trend shift in 2003 has not given the same effect on the labour market as similar trend shifts in the 80’s and 90’s. Several companies are waiting to see if this upturn is a sustainable basis for an increase in the number of employees. This might be basis for an increased time lag. It might however also be an indication that companies are trying to use this opportunity to increase productivity with basis in the same number of employees.
Skills shortages: There is a lack of professionals within the field of carpentry, plumming, electricians and roadworkers. Substantial supply of skilled craftsmen from the “new” EU countries
Rate of pay increases: 2004: 4,3%, 2005: 4,2 %

New employment legislation: none
New government initiatives:
- Increasing efficiency in the public sector.
- Changes in the “Pension and retirement act” (autumn 2005)
- A new “Work life act” (autumn 2005)
Trends to notice:
- Work-life balance. For the last six months there has been a big debate in the media regarding families where both the mother and the father are working fulltime. Is it possible to combine career and family without making any sacrifices?
- After a downsizing period in the private sector, 2001-2004, industry is doing better. So far no signs of increased employment - instead the staff is working harder.
- Reduced sick absteeism – from a very high level

Social security contribution: 27%Total indirect labour cost: Appx 40%
Tax rate:
- Individuals: Progressive tax from 28%-54,2%
- Companies: 24%; VAT 25%

Name: Even Bolstad, Managing Director HR Norge, www.hrnorge.no