Job centre: More digital contact and focus on foreign-born women
It is tough for the Job Centre (AF) now during the summer period, but also because of the new budget. Many changes are being made in terms of measures for job seekers and staff. But AF is working hard to be able to offer the same service to job seekers.
– The government has given AF the task of preparing a new agency. It will be in place by 2021. Based on this task, AF will report to the Ministry of Employment no later than the 1st of November 2019, says Aurora Aliu, Section Manager for AF in Kristianstad.
This means that things are still unclear. But with the reduced budget, AF should prioritise its efforts according to what’s possible and the needs of the labour market.
– The target audience for introductory jobs will only be people in the Establishment programme with a special focus on foreign-born women, she says.
Previously, the initiative was available to everyone involved in the job and development guarantee.
She assures that it is not a step back from the principle of gender equality, but everyone agrees that these women need extra support.
Unemployment
January 2019 in Skåne
Women (foreign-born) 23.70 per cent. All women from 16 to 64 years old 8.9 per cent.
Men (foreign-born) 23.20 per cent. All men 16 to 64 years old 9.60 per cent.
Source: Job Centre
Now job seekers have a great responsibility to be active and own their own process. Many of the staff have been let go or have resigned. This means that there is less staff in the office. Many AF offices will be closed down, such as the Hässleholm office. It will affect the way that AF has worked in the past.
– We encourage our customers to contact us digitally. It’s easier for them to book time or get help with finding solutions digitally. And there is a huge opportunity for this by contacting customer service on AF's website, she says.
AF is now focusing on working more digitally, which is faster for everyone. Those who have problems with it will get support from AF.
Will there be a reduction in the number of courses that AF offers job seekers?
– No, but we will judge who needs it most. If you have a job, and then become unemployed, you can manage with the experience that you have. But those who have been out of work for a long time need support from us, she says.
AF also has the task of managing the companies that work with support and matching, to be sure that the process of getting jobs is going well.
Introduction Project
Introduction Jobs:
It’s for those who have been out of work for a long time, are young or are new in Sweden. Those who offer introductory jobs can get financial support.
The job and development guarantee:
It’s for those who have been out of work for a long time and need help getting back into work. They can get help with, for example, arranging internships, work training, courses and starting their own company.
Source: Job Centre
