Table 1.

Danish employment legislation

In Denmark, subsided employment at a private workplace is offered to long-term unemployed individuals with or without a disability. Working conditions are agreed upon between authorities and employers and are formalized in a contract. The employee in a private workplace will receive at least minimum wage. Maximum duration of a subsidized job is 1 year, although many will continue in regular employment without subsidy if agreed upon with the employer. Participants will also receive help finding a fleksjob if this is already granted at intake to the study. Fleksjob is also subsidized employment, but the subsidy is conditional on the employee’s ability to work. The employee will receive at least minimum wage for the actual hours of work. The job exists on the open labor market.

Employment specialists in Copenhagen are employed by the vocational authorities in the municipality (job centres) but will still be integrated within the mental health services.