Norway: Dismissal of pregnant employee ruled void

The Norwegian Supreme Court recently ruled in a case regarding a pregnant employee who employer dismissed due to the company’s need for workforce reductions. Norwegian law prohibits dismissal of pregnant employee on grounds of pregnancy. Further, pregnancy shall be deemed to be the reason for dismissal of pregnant employee unless other grounds are shown to be highly probable. The burden of proof lies on the employer. The Norwegian Supreme Court’s view was that the company`s need for workforce reduction was not proven to be highly probable, and the dismissal was void. The judgement shows how important it is for employer to be able to document the assessments that have been made prior to the dismissal.