Sweden's Procurement Authority Takes Action Against Labor Market Crime
Public procurement in Sweden totals over 900 billion kronor each year, signifying the vital role of the public sector in the economy and the welfare of society. However, lawyer Henrik Grönberg highlights that procuring organizations are increasingly confronted with challenges, particularly regarding labor market crime.
Such crimes can lead to the exploitation of workers through unfair conditions, undeclared work, and tax evasion. The construction and civil engineering sectors are notably susceptible to these issues. Labor market crime not only threatens the integrity of the labor market but also distorts competition, undermines fair procurement, creates social challenges, and diminishes trust in the public sector, Grönberg remarks.
In response to these mounting challenges, the Procurement Authority is launching an online support initiative aimed at providing tools and methods to assist public organizations in their efforts to combat unscrupulous suppliers. "Our new support is grounded in inspiration and real-life examples from procuring organizations. With clear policies, concrete guidelines, and innovative methodologies, we empower procuring actors to ensure their operations are both correct and sustainable," states Anna Larka, project manager at the Procurement Authority.
Building an effective purchasing organization is often crucial for managing procurement risks. Establishing clear processes, conducting thorough risk assessments, and maintaining active supplier oversight can help prevent unscrupulous actors from securing public contracts. Additionally, through consistent contract follow-ups that focus on labor law conditions and regulations, organizations can swiftly identify and rectify any shortcomings or issues that may arise.
By utilizing the support and guidelines recently published, stakeholders can work toward a safer and more transparent purchasing process, collectively combating labor market crime, Larka concludes.
The Procurement Authority is dedicated to providing support and guidance in public procurement and state aid by developing and disseminating knowledge, tools, and methods. Its vision is to foster sound public procurement practices for a sustainable future.
For more information and to access support, visit upphandlingsmyndigheten.se.
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