Can my employer discriminate against me in Sweden?
No — discrimination, harassment and reprisals at work are prohibited. Under the Discrimination Act (2008:567) an employer may not discriminate against employees or job applicants on any of the seven grounds of discrimination: sex, transgender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion or other belief, disability, sexual orientation and age. The protection therefore applies before you even have the job. The employer must also work actively to prevent discrimination and carry out an annual pay survey. If the ban is broken you can receive discrimination compensation and report the matter to the Equality Ombudsman (DO). There are exceptions: age may be taken into account for a legitimate aim that is appropriate and necessary.
📋 The rules
- A ban on discrimination on seven grounds
- The grounds: sex, age, ethnicity, religion, disability and more
- The employer must work actively and make a pay survey
- A breach brings discrimination compensation
- You can report to the Equality Ombudsman (DO)
🔓 Exceptions
- Age differences are allowed with a legitimate aim that is appropriate and necessary
- Genuine occupational requirements (e.g. sex or religion tied to the job) can be allowed
- Positive action to promote gender equality
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Discrimination compensation is paid to the person affected. The amount is not fixed in law, but is deliberately set higher than ordinary compensation for violation — the idea is that discriminating should cost, not merely be compensated. On top of that comes a supervisory side that employers often forget: shortcomings in the active measures and the pay survey can lead the Board against Discrimination to impose a conditional fine, even where no individual has complained. The DO can also take the case to court on your behalf, so you do not have to litigate yourself.
📎 Official sources
- DO · The Discrimination Act →
- DO · Active measures for employers →
- Discrimination Act (2008:567) · Riksdagen →
❓ Frequently asked
What counts as discrimination at work?
Being disadvantaged on any of the seven grounds, for instance sex, age or ethnicity. Harassment and reprisals against someone who has raised an issue are also covered by the ban.
What are the grounds of discrimination?
Sex, transgender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion or other belief, disability, sexual orientation and age. There are seven grounds, no more and no fewer.
What can I get if I have been discriminated against?
Discrimination compensation, which is set higher than ordinary compensation for violation because it must also deter. The amount is not fixed in law but assessed on how serious the violation was.
Where do I report discrimination?
To the Equality Ombudsman (DO), which supervises and can take cases to court. You can also turn to your trade union, which often pursues the matter first.
Can the employer ever treat people differently by age?
Yes, if there is a legitimate aim and the measure is both appropriate and necessary. Genuine occupational requirements and positive action for gender equality can also be permitted.
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