The European Commission has proposed to provide Finland with €3.5 million from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) to help 1,000 former Microsoft Mobile Oy workers to find new jobs.

Finland applied for support from the EGF following the dismissal of 1,248 workers at Microsoft Mobile Oy and eleven of its suppliers and downstream producers in different regions of Finland.

Marianne Thyssen, EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility, commented: "Today's decision will help to prepare the former Microsoft workers for new job opportunities. Helping these workers to manage their difficult transitions is important. Globalisation offers opportunities, but also challenges to many Europeans. With the Globalisation Fund, we make sure that no one is left behind and that we are solidary with those affected by changing trade patterns."

The measures co-financed by the EGF would help the 1,000 workers facing the greatest difficulties in finding new jobs by providing them with

• career coaching and individual guidance;
• employment and business services;
• a variety of vocational trainings;
• start-up grants;
• hiring incentives;
• training-related allowances.

The total estimated cost of the package is €5.8 million, of which the EGF would provide €3.5 million. The proposal now goes to the European Parliament and the EU's Council of Ministers for approval.