Sweden

In Sweden, the law stipulates that all employees are entitled to 25 days of paid vacation leave annually. This entitlement is accrued progressively throughout the 'earning year', which spans from April 1st to March 31st. Even if an employee has not completed a full year of service, they are still entitled to a proportionate amount of vacation days.

Arranging Vacation Time and Pay

The scheduling of vacation time is typically a mutual agreement between the employer and the employee. Employers are required to provide advance notice of the planned vacation periods to their employees. During their leave, employees continue to receive their regular salary, along with an additional vacation pay. This additional pay is calculated as a certain percentage of their regular earnings.

Carryover of Unused Leave

While the norm is to utilize the vacation leave in the year following its accrual, it is possible to carry it forward for up to five years, provided the employer gives their consent.

Sweden celebrates a mix of national, cultural, and religious public holidays.

National Holidays

• New Year's Day: Celebrated on January 1st, it marks the start of the new year.
• Epiphany: This holiday is observed on January 6th.
• Good Friday: This is the Friday before Easter Sunday. The date varies each year.
• Easter Sunday: The date of this holiday varies each year.
• Easter Monday: This is the Monday after Easter Sunday. The date varies each year.
• May Day (Labor Day): Celebrated on May 1st, it is a day to honor workers.
• Ascension Day: This holiday is 39 days after Easter Sunday. The date varies each year.
• National Day: Celebrated on June 6th, it is a day to honor the nation.
• Midsummer Day: This holiday is on the Saturday between June 20th and June 26th.
• All Saints' Day: This holiday is on the Saturday between October 31st and November 6th.
• Christmas Day: Celebrated on December 25th, it marks the birth of Jesus Christ.
• Boxing Day (Second Day of Christmas): This holiday is on December 26th.

Note on Variable Dates

Holidays that are based on the Christian calendar, such as Easter and Ascension Day, have dates that change each year.

In Sweden, employees have access to various types of leave, each with its own entitlements and legal references.

Sick Leave

Employees are entitled to paid sick leave. During the first 14 days, the employer pays sick pay. After that, the Swedish Social Insurance Agency may provide compensation. This is in accordance with the Annual Leave Act and Social Insurance Code.

Parental Leave

Parents receive 480 days of paid parental leave to be shared between them, equating to 240 days per parent. This is as per the Social Insurance Code.

Maternity Leave

As part of parental leave, pregnant employees are entitled to time off in connection with their delivery and may access a pregnancy benefit. This is also covered by the Social Insurance Code.

Temporary Parental Leave (Care of Sick Child)

Parents can take paid leave to care for a sick child under the age of 12. The number of days is dependent on the number of children they have. This is governed by the Temporary Parental Leave Act.

Other Notable Leave Types

Educational Leave

Employees may be able to take leave for studies or training.

Bereavement Leave

Leave is granted for the death of close family members.

Leave for Union Representatives

This leave is for fulfilling trade union duties.

Important Considerations

Many sectors have collective agreements that provide enhancements to the legal minimums for various leaves. The Swedish Social Insurance Agency administers compensation for several types of leave.