News and current topics from various practice areas and industries

Before the New Year, the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy, now the Ministry of Energy, submitted Prop. 33 L (2023-2024) on amendments to the Watercourse Regulation Act and the Energy Act to strengthen security of supply to the Storting. The bill is being considered by the Storting’s Energy and Environment Committee, which will submit its recommendation by February 13, 2024. The bill fol-lows up on the government’s proposal for a new governance mechanism.

The dispute over the farm at Storheia on Fosen has now been resolved. After an extensive mediation process between Sør-Fosen sijte, Fosen Vind DA, and with the participation of the state, an agreement has been reached. Hjort, led by lawyer Kristin Bjella, has assisted Fosen Vind in this mediation.

On December 11, the Labor Court issued a unanimous judgment that puts an end to the prolonged discussion about the so-called individual after-effect of collective agreements.

The first paragraph of section 14-9 in the Norwegian Working Environment Act establishes the fundamental principle regarding permanent employment. According to the Norwegian government, a high percentage of permanent employment will contribute to more productive, adaptable, and competitive businesses.

As the number business enterprises in Norway have chosen to organize themselves into corporations or corporation-like structures increases, it became necessary to amend employment guidelines in the Working Environment Act.

Following the Norwegian Agricultural Agency’s ruling in favor of Hydropower AS in the appeal against the County Governor’s decision, the company has completed the construction of the solar power plant, and power production is in full swing.

With the expansion of digitalisation, large and small businesses are increasingly vulnerable to security breaches and the threat of data attacks, as well as the misuse of personal data.

Many owners of real estate conglomerates are currently considering making capital changes to reduce the wealth tax for 2023.

In recent years the traditional employment relationships have evolved. Enterprises are incorporating new methods of recruitment based on market analysis, whilst also attempting to be less burdensome both economically and practically than traditional employment relationships. Although alternative methods of affiliation can be beneficial, they can also pose risks for groups that would otherwise benefit from labour rights and social protection afforded to employees.