News
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The Nordic region: defying economic theory
The Nordic countries defy many of the traditional economic theories. Despite having large public sectors, strong unions, small wage differences, generous welfare states and high taxes, their economies have fared better than those of most countries.
5 minutes -
Disabilities vs. the labour market
Young people with disabilities and their access to the labour market will receive special focus when Sweden takes the helm at the Nordic Council of Ministers in 2008.
6 minutes
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Commission Green Paper on labour law and the challenges of the 21st century
The Barrosso Commission of the European Union presented in late 2006 a Green Paper entitled “Modernising labour law to meet the challenges of the 21st century”. The paper has received reactions and comments during the whole of spring. The general assessment is that the Nordic countries and the Nordic social partners have been rather critical…
3 minutes -
Committing to a sustainable corporate life
It’s called CSR – Corporate Social Responsibility, and it’s the largest project of its kind in Europe. Danish business leaders to be coursed in social responsibility – known as CSR. This autumn sees the beginning of a major project, which involves sending 12.000 business leader.
5 minutes
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Well-being at work sparks productivity
Facing global competition Finland’s way: go for sustainable working life.
5 minutes
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New life for “industrial graveyards“ – lots of jobs in culture and arts
All around Europe a fast growing labour market in culture and arts gives new vigour to cities and towns. In de-industrialised places this is particularly evident. Instead of moving out, people have started to move in – to jobs in the “creative sector“ – counting for an average of one third of all jobs.
8 minutes -
No easy way to lower sick leave
In Norway the co-operation between the government, the unions and the employers is usually very close. But September saw an unprecedented quarrel among the three parties about who should pick up the bill for the rising cost of sick leave.
4 minutes
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EU enlargement two years on: what challenges to the Nordic labour market?
The growing mobility of labour from EU-8 after 1 May 2004 has contributed to increasing production and employment, curbing of prices and interest rates, and extending the room of manoeuvre in economic policies in the Nordic countries.
6 minutes -
Fighting against prejudice
In an effort to tackle discrimination at all levels of society, the Norwegian government has appointed the first ever equality and anti-discrimination ombud. The aim is to fight against all types of prejudice, be it on the basis of gender, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability or age.
3 minutes
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Labour shortage chokes mobility
Finland has decided to abolish the transition rules for labour from new EU member states from 1 May this year. Norway, Denmark and Iceland have still not decided, while Sweden opened her borders as early as 2004.
3 minutes