In accordance with the collective agreements that apply to BHM members, it is possible to reduce the working week to a maximum of 36 active working hours, as opposed to the legal standard working week of 40 hours.

Reduction in weekly working hours aim to promote reforms in government institutions, improve workplace culture, and enhance work-life balance, while ensuring that efficiency and quality of service is not compromised. 

The extent of the reduction in working hours can range from a maximum reduction of 4 hours per week, which renders provisions on meal and coffee breaks during the daytime period inactive, to a minimal reduction of 13 minutes per day or 65 minutes per week, where meal and coffee times remain unchanged. 

Similar provisions apply in the general labour market. 

Questions regarding sickness per diem allowance

FAQ on the Public Sector Relief Fund's sickness per diem allowance

FAQ on Private Sector Relief Fund's sickness per diem allowance

Wages in the public sector are determined through collective bargaining, while market wages typically dictate pay rates in the general labour market.

Holiday entitlement varies between employees in the public sector and those employed in the general labour market.

The Annual Leave Act establishes the entitlement and responsibility of employees to take paid annual leave for the purpose of rest and rejuvenation. 

The number of paid sick days an employee is entitled to may vary depending on the applicable collective agreement and whether the employee works in the public sector or the general labour market. 

Employees are entitled to sickness pay from their employer during a period of illness or accident. 

Law and collective agreements lay down certain rights and procedures that apply in case of termination of employment.

Icelandic labour law is influenced by international conventions relating to the labour market, in particular European labour market legislation.

Work­ing time

Working time