1. Background of the New Hiring Regulations in Oslo
Fra 1. april 2023 innførte norske myndigheter en rekke innstramminger i bruken av innleid arbeidskraft, særlig innen bygg og anlegg i Oslo, Viken og tidligere Vestfold/Østfold.
- Ban on Staffing Agencies: The use of workers from traditional staffing agencies for construction projects in these regions has effectively been prohibited. The objective is to prevent the misuse of temporary contracts and ensure permanent, secure employment.
- Exemption for Production Companies: At the same time, the regulations maintain an important exemption that allows regular production companies (such as Opus1) to lease out their own employees, provided that the rental activity remains within the company’s primary field of expertise and follows certain limitations.
Conclusion:
While traditional staffing agencies face severe restrictions or are outright banned in Oslo’s construction sector, a legitimate plumbing company can still legally lease out its plumbers—provided that the conditions of the Working Environment Act are met.
2. Why Opus1 Can Offer Legal Plumbing Staffing
2.1. Our Core Business is HVAC Installations
Opus1 is primarily a production company specializing in HVAC and plumbing services. We are not a staffing agency.
- We carry out our own projects, hold central approval, are registered with StartBANK, and employ our workers on a permanent basis.
- Only a small portion of our operations consists of leasing our skilled workers to other plumbing companies and contractors.
2.2. Permanently Employed Plumbers
The regulations require that leased employees must be permanently employed by the lessor. At Opus1, all our plumbers hold permanent positions with salaries and working conditions that comply with Norwegian standards. We take full responsibility for wages, holiday pay, pension contributions, and mandatory insurance (including occupational injury coverage).
2.3. Professional Compliance: Plumbing Tasks Only
To legally lease out employees, a production company must ensure that assignments align with its core expertise. As HVAC specialists, we only provide plumbing services—not painting, carpentry, or other trades. This ensures compliance with the legal requirement for “the same industry/same field of expertise.”
2.4. Limited Scope: The 50% Rule
The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority (Arbeidstilsynet) has a guideline stating that up to 50% of a company’s permanent employees can be leased out without the company being classified as a staffing agency. We remain well below this limit. This guarantees that the majority of our workforce is always engaged in our core business—HVAC installations.
2.5. We Are a Registered Staffing Company
Even though staffing is only a minor part of our operations, we have chosen to be registered as a staffing company with the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority. This ensures that we meet the government's requirements for fair employment conditions, professionalism, and documentation. For our clients, this provides additional reassurance that the leasing process is conducted transparently and legally.
3. What Does the Oslo Region Staffing Ban Mean – and Why Are We Exempt?
3.1. Stricter Hiring Rules from April 1, 2023
- Ban on Staffing Agencies: In the construction industry in the Oslo region, it is no longer permitted to use traditional staffing agencies or recruitment companies to source workers.
- Purpose: The aim is to promote permanent employment and prevent loopholes in the Working Environment Act, especially in a highly competitive construction market.
3.2. Production Companies Can Still Lease Out Workers
- Exemption: The regulations allow a regular production company—with its own permanently employed workers—to "lend" these employees for projects within its area of expertise under certain conditions.
- Requirements: As mentioned earlier, this includes permanent employment, a limited scope (below 50%), professional alignment, and ensuring that staffing is only a minor part of the company’s overall operations.
- Opus1 Meets All Criteria: We are therefore not affected by the “staffing ban” imposed on standard staffing agencies. Our plumbers can legally join your project for time-limited assignments without violating the new regulations in the Oslo region.
3.3. Benefits for You as a Client
By leasing from a registered production company operating within legal limits, you avoid the risk of the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority halting your project due to illegal staffing. Additionally, all HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) standards, wages, and working conditions are fully compliant with regulations.
4. How the Leasing Process Works
- Contact and Needs Assessment
You inform us about the project’s nature, duration, and the number of plumbers needed. We assess the required competencies and time frame. - Agreement and Contract
A written agreement is established, covering price, duration, working hours, and tasks. We also ensure that our company can legally provide you with personnel (e.g., by staying within the 50% rule). - Project Startup
Our permanently employed plumbers arrive at your site, work under your daily supervision, and integrate seamlessly with your existing team. - Employer Responsibilities and Administration
Opus1 retains formal employer responsibility: we handle wages, insurance, pensions, and sick leave follow-up. You can focus on project management without additional HR burdens. - HSE and Quality Follow-Up
We implement our own HSE procedures, ensuring our employees are familiar with applicable regulations. The client is responsible for daily on-site safety, but we work closely to maintain a safe work environment. - Evaluation and Future Collaboration
At the end of the assignment, you provide feedback on the plumber’s performance. We are happy to adjust the scope or provide additional workers for future projects.
5. Benefits of Leasing Plumbers from Opus1
- Full Compliance with Hiring Regulations
You avoid uncertainty when working with a staffing agency that may be affected by Oslo’s staffing ban. Our plumbers come from a recognized production company. - Direct Access to Expertise
Our employees work with HVAC installations and subcontracting daily, ensuring that their skills remain up to date and relevant. - Reduced Administrative Burden
We handle all employer responsibilities, sick pay, holiday pay, and pension contributions, eliminating extra paperwork for you. - Security and Stability
Our plumbers hold permanent positions and are motivated by positive client feedback. This ensures stable deliveries and high morale throughout your project. - Experience in the Oslo Market
We understand the specific regulations, pace, and requirements in the capital, especially in high-pressure areas where construction activity is intense and staffing needs fluctuate.
6. Summary – Your Guarantee for a Legal and Professional Solution
- Opus1 is a production company, not a staffing agency—which means our plumbing leasing service falls under the exemption in the Working Environment Act.
- We comply with the 50% rule, employ our plumbers permanently, and operate strictly within our core field: HVAC installations.
- The new strict staffing bans in Oslo do not affect us. Our services are fully legal and recognized by the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority.
- You get a flexible, safe, and legally compliant way to strengthen your plumbing team—without committing to permanent hires.
Do you need additional plumbing support for an upcoming project?
Contact us today! We will be happy to provide a non-binding quote, tailored to your needs and Norway’s legal framework for staffing.
Opus1 – HVAC Expertise in Oslo and a Trusted Partner for Legal Plumbing Staffing.
