The remainder benefits areas experi-encing industrial decline, areas requiring rural development initiatives and the sparsely populated region of Northern Sweden. Underlying all the ESF's work in Sweden is the principle of equal opportunities between men and women seeking employment. Specific assistance is available for women entrepreneurs and those seeking jobs in types of work and careers in which they have been traditionally under-represented. The ESF supports the national objective that no young person under 25 is to remain unemployed for longer than 100 days. The aim of the ESF's co-financing is to improve skill levels to match the demands of the labour market and improve the employment prospects of those being trained.
Special emphasis is given to developing the skills required for self-employment.
In this way the ESF ensures the viability of existing small businesses and encourages the setting-up of new small firms. It is estimated that some 160,000 people will benefit from Objective 3 activities in the 1995-1999 period. This includes about 46,000 who will be helped by computer activity centres and 31,000 seeking self-employment. Nearly one quarter of ESF financing for Sweden helps those already in employment, especially those threatened by unemployment, to adapt or develop their skills to meet the challenges of change in the workplace. In addition to upgrading skills, Objective 4 activities focus on anticipating job market needs and trends, and supporting networks which link workers, employers and transfer structures.