Theme
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Sweden’s Södertälje: a public-private solution to immigrant challenges
Södertälje in Sweden has more than 40 percent immigrants of foreign heritage. For some years the municipality received more refugees from war-ravaged Iraq than the USA and Canada combined, so it’s had its share of challenges when it comes to jobs, accommodation and traditional solutions. The result: extensive co-operation between municipality and businesses, with input…
8 minutes
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When Iceland’s trust vanished, comedian Jón Gnarr became mayor
Reykjavik citizens demonstrated their level of distrust in traditional politics and politicians by voting in comedian Jón Gnarr as their new mayor in last spring’s local elections. Mr Gnarr’s party, The Best Party, entered a coalition with the social democratic party Alliansen (Samfylkingin).
3 minutes
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Swedish leadership traditions through Chinese eyes
Swedish leadership traditions are based on a great deal of trust in employees. Management presume people can work independently without the need for close supervision. But how do Swedish companies function abroad? How do you reconcile the Swedish Dala horse with the Chinese dragon?
3 minutes
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Trust in short supply in Finland
The welfare state is based on a system of trust where citizens take a lot of things more or less for granted. But there are fundamental changes going on. Researchers in Finland, for instance, say the country is rejecting the idea of integrating immigrants.
3 minutes
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Denmark’s massive bid for youth employment and education
Fighting youth unemployment is a top priority in Denmark. A range of new measures are in place to get more young people into education.
5 minutes
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Employers offered wage subsidies to hire young people in Finland
Finland’s youth unemployment exploded last winter and is now nearly level with that of Spain. The government woke up to the fact in late spring and has introduced wage subsidies targeted at young school leavers and those who cannot find a job.
4 minutes
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Youth unemployment: Iceland fights on many fronts
Unemployment used to be a relatively unknown phenomenon in Iceland. But it skyrocketed with the 2008 financial collapse.
8 minutes
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Iceland’s 0utdated benefit system
The Icelandic Prime Minister, Johanna Sigurdardottir, used her National Day speech to point out that most households were still struggling with the fallout of the 2008 economic collapse.
2 minutes -
Italy’s young hope to work before they’re old
The path from higher education to a steady job is particularly painful in Italy. Many quit their studies or end up in long-term unemployment at the end of their studies. Teacher Francesca Seguela is happy to have a few hours of summer work after spending months unemployed.
8 minutes
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OECD: Urgent measures needed to fight youth unemployment
Youth unemployment is rising dramatically and the trend is set to continue in 2011 according to the OECD. At the G20 meeting of labour ministers Stefano Scarpetta encouraged governments to act immediately. The first thing to do, he said, is to make sure youths have something to live off while they’re unemployed.
3 minutes