In focus 2008

Theme: Reaching the fringes - a more including working place

Never before in modern times has the Nordic labour market been in such good shape. 2008 will enter history as the best year ever for newly qualified jobseekers with higher education. But there are still large groups on the fringes - or completely outside - of the labour market. These are groups who need more support and a different approach. Denmark trains mentors who look after those in need of special attention when they start their first ever job. In Sweden, “Fryshuset” tries to stop young people falling outside society by turning destructive behaviour to something positive, making sure they stay in school or get a job.

Employing the last unemployed

Out of a total of 25 million people in the five Nordic countries, there are now only 422,000 unemployed. April saw the Norwegian unemployment rate plummet to 1.6 per cent. Denmark is close with 1.9 per cent. The numbers for Iceland and Sweden are somewhat higher, with 2.3 and 3.2 per cent. Finland has 6.8 per cent.

Social entrepreneurs fighting for outsiders

At Stockholm's “Fryshuset” (the Cold Store) a 25-year-old social entrepreneurship is turning the destructive forces which often plague social outsiders to positive forces and insider status. New methods grow to meet new demands. The aim is to catch youth at risk of falling outside of society, to recognise their potential and believe in their power so that they could stay in school and later enter working life.