Redundant Because of Lack of Competence? Swedish Employees in the Knowledge Society

Today, the scene of Swedish industrial relations and labour law is set by the Knowledge Society. Knowledge Workers are supposed to be knowledgeable, professional and independent, and constitute by virtue of their knowledge the vital productive resource. This article analyses the strength and functioning of the Swedish employment protection and a future right to education within the employment relationship. It is argued that the Swedish employment protection regulation, on the whole, is badly adjusted to the realities of the Knowledge Society. Furthermore, the traditional dichotomy between dismissal by reason of redundancy and dismissal for personal reasons is inappropriate and should be replaced by a new uniform and coherent system for employment protection. By including a right to education the Swedish employment protection system would be substantively strengthened