Protection against discrimination that lacks factual or objective grounds has long been a key part of international employment law, and Norway is obligated under international conventions to secure and maintain the right to fair treatment and to follow a political course that promotes equality and combats discrimination.

In Norway there is general legislation that aims at the promotion of equality, assurance of equal opportunities and rights, and prevention of discrimination on the grounds of gender, ethnic background, nationality, origins, skin colour, language, religion or beliefs. These laws also apply to the workplace. The Worker Protection and Working Environment Act also contains specific rules prohibiting direct and indirect discrimination in the workplace due to political beliefs, trade union membership, sexual orientation, disability or age. These rules are extensive.

The lawyers on Wiersholm’s employment law team provide advice and assistance for problems related to the equal treatment of employees (based on all the discrimination grounds), including assistance for complaints to the Equality and Discrimination Ombudsman and the Equality and Discrimination Committee, as well as proceedings before the ordinary courts.