Living and Working in Sweden Gisela Sarri EURES Adviser Västerås

What is EURES? EURopean Employment Services A network of Public Employment Services and partners in the EU/EEA and Switzerland, Objective: working to increase and facilitate international mobility. EURES provides service to jobseekers and employers. 700 EURES advisers in Europe, 40 in Sweden.

Facts About Sweden Sweden is the third largest country in EU 25 and has km coastline. 9,2 million inhabitants, 85% live in the southern parts. Sweden has been a member of EU since Member of Schengen Currency: Swedish Crown (SEK) 9.27 SEK = 1 € (March 2007)

Facts About Sweden bank holidays per year Parliamentary democracy Constitutional monarchy More information:

Kiruna km2 21 Counties 290 Municipalities Ystad Stockholm Malmö Göteborg 1800 km 20 inhabitants / km2 Kiruna Umeå

Public Employment Services Service through: - Internet (24 hour service) - by telephone via Customer Service Centres (7 day service) - The Public Employment Office – “Arbetsförmedlingen” (over 300 offices)

Labour Market Situation - shortages - INDUSTRY Machine tool operators (NC/CNC) Welders Goods vehicle mechanics Sheet Metal Workers Car Body Repairers (panel work) Car Mechanics TRANSPORT Goods vehicle drivers (Spring 2008)

Labour Market Situation - shortages - BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION Electricians Plumbers (Ventilation and Sanitation) Construction Workers (painters, bricklayers, concrete workers, electricians) Sheet metal workers Engineers (Spring 2008)

Labour Market Situation - shortages - ENGINEERING Civil and graduate engineers: Construction Mechanics Electric IT Systems designers Programmers OTHER PROFESSIONS Qualified chefs (Spring 2008)

Labour Market Situation - shortages - HEALTHCARE Doctors Dentists Specialist Nurses Midwives TEACHING Pre-school teachers Teachers /Upper secondary school, vocational subjects (Spring 2008)

Working in Sweden Temporary or Permanent contracts Full time, 40 hours per week 25 days vacation per year (right to take 4 consecutive weeks holiday in the summer) No national minimum wage. Collective agreements in most occupations ensure fair wages.

Working in Sweden Average wage (2005) : SEK 25,800 (men), SEK 21,500 (women) 76% of men and 73% of women aged are in employment. Good child care facilities make this possible. Unemployment rate 6,1%, (February 2008) Inflation rate 3,4% (March 2008)

A Typical Swedish Work Place “Flat” organisation You must be able to take initiatives and adapt to new situations. Swedish language skills English language skills ”Du” – first name basis Strong Trade union in most work places and in all fields of work. Any major changes in the organisation are always discussed in advance by the Union(s) and the employer.

Applying for Work in Sweden is commonly used for applications. An application should be typewritten in Swedish or English. Generally you do not enclose a photo. An application consists of: - personal letter (no more than 1 page, often less) - your CV (1-2 pages) - references (can also be given at the interview). You may be asked to present evidence of professional qualifications and diplomas later on.

Taxes Council Tax between 26-34% State Tax 20% > SEK 25% > SEK (Skatteverket 2007) Sick benefits 80%, no benefits the first day Social Insurance

Unemployment Benefits Are not a part of the Social Benefits scheme. Consists of two parts: 1.Basic insurance (Alfakassan): For all workers after a qualifying period: No membership requirement, max 320 SEK/day 2.Voluntary insurance: You must apply to become a member of an Unemployment Insurance Fund and pay contributions. After the qualification period, 80% of earlier income, max 680 SEK/day 300 days

Cultural Differences Tend to avoid conflicts… Sweden “closes” for the summer Between April – September Swedes become sun worshippers Internet – VERY important in the Swedish society

Accommodation Rent an apartment or house Example: 1 bedroom apartment, average rent 4,150 SEK/month (January 2006, Buy an apartment Buy a house Accommodation costs vary greatly

Food Costs Loaf of bread15-18 SEK Butter, 500 g20 SEK Minced meat, 1 kg50 SEK Hamburger20 SEK Pizza45-80 SEK Today’s Special65-80 SEK Beer in a bar, 50 cl 50 SEK Glass of wine in a bar55 SEK

Useful Web Addresses Finding a job Applying for a job

Useful Web Addresses Population, Civic Registration and Taxes Social Insurance Work and Residence permit and Right of residence card Swedish Embassies

Useful Web Addresses Living and Working Conditions The Swedish School system The National Health Board Recognition of Foreign Diplomas

Thank You for Your Attention! (Gisela Sarri) EURES Adviser Västerås