The Government's target is to bring Sweden back to full employment. The Government has two intermediate goals. The first is to reduce open unemployment to 4 per cent in 2000. This target has practically been achieved. The second target is that 80 per cent of the population aged between 20 and 64 should have a job by 2004.
Special initiatives are to be focused on the long-term unemployed.
A special tax reduction has been introduced to employers who employ long-term unemployed persons. All long-term unemployed have been covered by a special activity guarantee since 1 July 2000. Persons with an immigrant background shall be able to top up their previous education. Advice shall be available for immigrants who start or run small businesses and Swedish teaching is to be improved. It is to be made easier for immigrants to use their vocational knowledge in Sweden.