Today, the European Commission proposed a €2.1 million contribution from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) to help 900 redundant Swedish Ericsson workers find new jobs.

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Sweden applied for support from the Globalisation Adjustment Fund following the dismissal of 2,388 workers at telecom company Ericsson. These job losses were the result of the closure of hardware production lines at various sites and the shutdown of three Ericsson factories (Kumla, Borås and Katrinenholm). 

Marianne Thyssen, EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility, commented: "The proposed support from the EU's Globalisation Adjustment Fund would help these redundant workers to adapt their skills and facilitate their transition to new jobs or help them set up their own enterprises. EU solidarity is key in overcoming the challenge of many people with the same skills who are being made redundant at the same time, in the same geographical areas".

The measures co-financed by the Globalisation Adjustment Fund would help these 900 former Ericsson workers find new jobs, by providing them with in-depth assessment, motivational coaching and career planning along with job-search related help; vocational training; entrepreneurship support; and measures for 50+ or disadvantaged workers. The package of measures will also propose job-search and mobility allowances.

The total estimated cost of the package is €3.5 million, of which the Globalisation Adjustment Fund would provide €2.1 million. The proposal now goes to the European Parliament and the EU's Council of Ministers for approval.