Restart Jobs: Bridging the Gap for Long-term Unemployment in Ronneby
In the Ronneby municipality, restart jobs have emerged as a vital tool in the fight against long-term unemployment, while simultaneously addressing the operational needs of local organizations. The concept is straightforward: the municipality lends job seekers to employers who require additional manpower, providing a unique opportunity for both parties. For employers, this initiative allows them to test and nurture potential new employees, backed by financial support from the municipality.
Grace Alsaaty, a highly educated individual who arrived in Sweden from Syria in 2014, faced considerable challenges entering the job market despite her degree in mathematics and statistics. Her initial experiences were fraught with rejections, largely due to her lack of local experience and professional contacts. Undeterred, Grace took proactive steps to enhance her employability, learning Swedish through online resources and obtaining her driver's license.
Her determination eventually led her to Ronneby's labor market unit, which coordinates restart jobs—a crucial turning point in her job search. A few days after connecting with them, Grace was given the opportunity to work as a resource for the teaching staff at Sfi (Swedish for Immigrants), where many students shared her native Arabic language.
Lisa Hjelm, who oversees the educational program, expressed her surprise and delight at having a candidate of Grace's caliber on her team. Although Grace lacked direct teaching experience, the partnership quickly blossomed. Her background in mathematics proved invaluable as she began assisting math students at komvux, an adult education institution in Ronneby, where many learners were Arabic speakers.
"It's amazing to see how a person can develop if the right conditions are in place," Hjelm shared. The collaboration not only enriched the learning environment but also highlighted the untapped potential that individuals like Grace possess when given support and opportunities.
Initially, Hjelm had not intended to onboard an extra resource, but the suggestion from the municipality turned out to be a stroke of luck. Grace's energetic and competent presence became an asset to the team, shedding light on the positive impact of restart jobs. A commitment to mentorship and skill development played a significant role in helping Grace transition from a restart job to a permanent position. After two rewarding years in the program, Grace was ultimately offered a continued role, furthering her qualifications by pursuing a teaching license—a requirement for her desired permanent employment.
By March 2025, Grace celebrated the achievement of becoming a licensed high school math teacher in adult education. Hjelm couldn't be more pleased with the outcome. "We are very pleased to have gained a fantastic math teacher and how we have utilized restart jobs. It benefits both society and the individual when you dare to see the possibilities," she stated proudly.
How do restart jobs function? They are designed to provide simple and flexible support for employers hiring individuals who have been unemployed for over 12 months or those newly arrived in Sweden. For younger individuals aged 20-24 and new immigrants, the unemployment condition applies for just 6 months. The program can subsidize up to 60% of the salary costs (with a maximum of 20,000 SEK per month), and this financial assistance can last for one year for those aged 20-24 and up to two years for those aged 25-66. It applies to both permanent and temporary positions, whether full-time or part-time.
The restart job initiative stands as a promising approach to not only combat long-term unemployment but also to integrate diverse talents into the workforce, driving growth and opportunity in Ronneby and beyond.
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