In Focus
Nordic hunt for solutions to youth unemployment
26 good examples of measures that work and 600 people wanting to discuss youth unemployment. That was the impressive effort at the meeting of Nordic prime ministers and labour ministers in Stockholm on 16 May. The Nordic Labour Journal was there and this edition focuses on youth outside of the labour market.
”Don’t punish us, astonish us”
To really listen to young people and see each individual in light of their own merit, cooperating across sectors while also focusing on schools - where life-long learning begins. To learn from the other Nordic countries and benefit from the common Nordic labour market - these were all themes when Nordic prime ministers and labour ministers met in Stockholm on 16 May.
Youth Employment Forum showcasing the good Nordic examples
“A murderer can become a fantastic worker. He has been in prison, thinking. Employers who dare hire a former criminal get very loyal workers,” says Nanna Ravn Hansen, a consultant at High:five.
Researchers: blunt measures against youth unemployment
It is difficult to find political measures which actually do get more young people into work. Sweden’s dramatical reduction in employer contributions for youths in 2007 and 2009 has led to few new jobs.
Denmark: More focus on job rotation
Job rotation is a golden egg which gets people into employment and improves the skills of permanent staff, according to the Danish government. The social partners agree. But it takes time to get businesses to use the scheme.
”Thank goodness – I’m a Svensson”
Youth unemployment is a priority for Stockholm Municipality. Considerable work is being done within the city and between the city and other authorities, in order to get young people off benefits and into work or education. Two projects show that strong support on an individual level can be a recipe for success.
Nordic hunt for solutions to youth unemployment
26 good examples of measures that work and 600 people wanting to discuss youth unemployment. That was the impressive effort at the meeting of Nordic prime ministers and labour ministers in Stockholm on 16 May. The Nordic Labour Journal was there and this edition focuses on youth outside of the labour market.
How hard can it be?
Businesses in the Swedish region of Södra Småland coined he phrase ‘How hard can it be?’ one year ago, when they initiated a meeting to address youth unemployment in the region. It was part corporate social responsibility and part a drive to attract more skills.
Nordic region increases fight against social dumping
335,000 citizens from EU’s new member states moved to the Nordic region between 2004 and 2011. A considerable number of workers and service providers from these countries have also been posted there during the same period of time. Foreign labour has represented a positive contribution to the economic growth, but it has also put pressure of wages and working conditions.
Norway has its Laval judgement - but this time the union won
On 5 March Norway’s Supreme Court passed judgement in what in Norwegian has become known as ‘verftsaken’, or the shipbuilding case. The judgement has been called the most important win for the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO) in recent times. Losing this case could have been as significant for the fight against social dumping as the Laval case in neighbouring Sweden.
Denmark increases fight against social dumping
More fines for foreign companies and labour clauses in public contracts - these are the newest weapons in Denmark’s fight against social dumping. They will have an impact on social dumping but won’t eradicate it, thinks expert.
Sweden: “More social dumping” after easing of labour immigration laws
In December 2008 the law for labour immigration into Sweden for people from outside the EU and EEA was changed. The labour market test was abandoned and today individual employers decide whether there is a shortage of labour. Critics say this means many employees no longer are protected by the law.
Emigration threatens the Baltics
Emigration from the Baltic countries threatens to undermine their entire social structure. Now the Nordic Council of Ministers wants to map the migration and its consequences. NLJ has met two Estonian construction workers who explain why they moved to Finland - and why they don’t plan to return.
Nordic women have gained a little more power since last year.
Women in the Nordic region are slightly more equal on 8 March this year compared to last year. The Nordic Labour Journal’s gender equality barometer shows they have climbed to get 61 of the points we have allocated for government minister posts and other positions in society. That is one point more than last year. 100 points would be full equality.
Denmark’s gender equality policies: no quotas and a focus on men
Women hold all of the Danish government’s top jobs, but Denmark lags behind the rest of the Nordic countries measured in paternity leave and women in leadership positions.
Major Swedish companies seek more women leaders
The cold facts show there is a long way to go before there is total equality between men and women in Swedish working life. So when CEOs from ten of Sweden’s largest companies launched the equality drive ‘Battle of the numbers’, there was a lot of interest.
What can we learn from 80 female prime ministers and presidents?
A lone female leader’s dilemma is whether she manages to change the system before it changes her. You need a critical mass of 30 to 35 percent female parliamentary representation before you get lasting cultural, political and practical change, writes Torild Skard in her book on female presidents and prime ministers between 1960 and 2000.
Workplace equality depends on early life choices
Sweden has one of the world’s most equal societies. Yet there are still major differences between men and women. A man’s lifetime earnings is on average two million Swedish kronor more than a woman’s.
