FrP Wants to Abolish Disability Benefits for Under-40s — Norway's 110,000 Youth Employment Crisis Sparks Debate

Summary

Norway's Progress Party (FrP) is pushing to eliminate permanent disability benefits for people under 40, sparking a heated national debate. Party leader Sylvi Listhaug argues that society should invest in education and employment rather than early benefit dependency, while critics from the Red Party and disability rights group Ofur argue removing financial security does not create jobs. The debate centres on 110,000 young Norwegians (ages 20–29) currently outside employment and education — 15.6% of that age group. NRK profiles Kristoffer Smedstad Bjerkreim, who suffered a severe brain injury at 15 and has since returned to part-time work at sports retailer XXL while retaining 100% disability benefit — combining support with gradual re-entry. Ofur director Anita Olsen warns that illness and reduced work capacity know no age limit. Nearly 400,000 Norwegians receive disability benefits, with the government targeting 30,000 additional employed by 2030. For inclusive employers, the case illustrates the value of flexible arrangements that allow disabled workers to contribute while maintaining financial security during recovery.