The government, Socialistisk Folkeparti (SF), Enhedslisten and Dansk Folkeparti (DF) have agreed to the terms of a new regime for au pairs working in Denmark, the ministry of employment announced today in a press release.

The agreement aims to create a clearer partitioning of household tasks and free time. In addition they would have an extra half-day off work as well as the weekly day off that they are currently entitled to and they would be free from work on Danish public holidays.

Should experience Denmark
Au pairs’ monthly pocket money would be raised to 4,000 kroner under the agreement and the host family would bear some of the expenses for Danish lessons and flights to Denmark.

Henrik Dam Kristensen, the employment minster, welcomed the agreement. “Many families with children benefit from the au pair scheme, but it is clear that it is necessary to improve it,” he said.

“No au pair should be on a never-ending call duty. At the same time it’s both good and reasonable that they get more pocket money and free time, so they have better opportunities to experience our country.”