+ Do I have to answer if the boss calls?
No, you don't have to be available during your vacation. Nor can your employer demand that you be on standby without an agreement.
The idea of a vacation is to rest and recover, it's supposed to be protected. But people are different. Some might not mind if your employer asks you to have your phone on for a week in case something serious occurs, while others think it's extremely stressful. Therefore, it's essential to come to an agreement, says Caroline Lindeberg.
You should also discuss what applies if you work an hour or two during your vacation.
If I need to take a call that results in me working for two hours, should I get paid for two hours or the entire day? There's no regulation around this, and you need to have discussed it.
+ Can I refuse to come in if my employer orders me to interrupt my vacation?
No, not if something unexpected occurs that is considered serious enough.
But then it must be exceptional circumstances that couldn't be resolved in any other way, says Lindeberg, who thinks you should contact the union for support in such a situation.
If you're forced to come in, you can, however, demand reimbursement for the additional costs it incurs.
If you've booked a trip that week or a mountain lodge – then your employer will have to cover the cost of the lodge and the trip home.
+ What happens if I get sick during my vacation?
Then you can take out sick leave and keep your vacation days. Report yourself sick on the first day. The same rules apply as usual, your employer can demand a doctor's note after eight days.
+ Can I exchange my vacation for money?
The legislator would rather you take a break and recover, says Caroline Lindeberg.
According to the law, at least 20 vacation days should be taken out as a rule.
Days not taken out can be saved for up to five years – if exceeded, it may become relevant to pay out the days as vacation compensation.
It may also be possible to get money instead through individual agreements, but only for the days exceeding the legally required 25 vacation days. However, it's unusual, emphasizes Lindeberg.
+ Do I have the right to vacation if I've quit my job?
It depends. The advice is to get your vacation approved before you quit.
Then it can't be revoked, unless the employer has very special reasons, says Caroline Lindeberg.
If your vacation isn't approved before you quit, you don't have the right to take vacation during the notice period without your employer's approval.
The idea of a legal right to vacation gained traction during the 1930s. The first Swedish vacation law was introduced in 1938 and gave employees two weeks of paid leave per year.
The vacation was extended to three weeks in 1951. Twelve years later, in 1963, the legally required vacation was lengthened to four weeks – or 24 days distributed over the then six-day workweek.
The period from April 1991 to March 1993, the right to vacation was 27 days. The current vacation law gives the right to 25 days per vacation year, i.e., the period from April 1 to March 31 the following year.
Source: NE
