In August 2008, the Swedish public employment service, Arbetsförmedlingen released an invitation to tender for employment services for newly arrived immigrants. We tendered for, and were successful in winning contracts in Stockholm and the surrounding areas of Huddinge, Södertälje and Solna. Services commenced in February 2009, and we are currently assisting between 1,000 and 1,500 people to integrate with their communities through finding suitable, lasting employment. Core to our service delivery to this client group is our ability to help them connect with their communities, have a sense of purpose, gain a sense of control and choice, and knowing we believe in them. We work closely with each client for up to six months, helping them to build language capabilities, recognise their transferable skills and identify appropriate training.
In addition, we work with young people and short-term unemployed people through the Job and Development Guarantee which assists young people between the ages of 16-25 to find work or move into regular education. This programme was developed by the Swedish government in response to the very high youth unemployment rates in Sweden (up to three times that of countries with similar social preferences such as Denmark, Iceland, the Netherlands and Norway) and focuses on early intervention for people who have been unemployed for more than three successive months.
Most recently, we have been awarded a pilot programme to provide rehabilitation services to facilitate the return to work of clients with health related issues.
of purpose,
gain a sense
of control and choice, and knowing we believe in them.”
