The Nordic labour market
The Nordic Countries have had a common labour market since 1954. In practice this means that all Nordic citizens can work in another Nordic country without a work permit. The agreement also covers the unemployed, who can claim unemployment benefits in their country of residence.

A common labour-market policy is considered useful as a means of activating the unemployed so that their period of unemployment, whether long or short, is not a waste of time but rather an opportunity for further advancement of skills and education. This means the labour force is in better touch with the market and more qualified to take on new responsibilities once the economy recovers. The main emphasis of these policies has been on:

• Education in languages, computer science, mathematics, or vocational training.
  
• Vocational training in the public sector and private companies.
  
• Personal counselling on issues such as self-confidence, motivation and alcohol and drug prevention schemes.
  

It is clear that the measures mentioned above do not by themselves remove the problem of long-term unemployment, which is and will remain a problem on a political level. However, positive results of these schemes increase the likelihood of having a better qualified labour force available when recovery sets in.

Co-operative schemes aim mostly at programmes to maintain a well-functioning labour market and on initiatives and schemes to promote the maintenance and improvement of the skills and competence of the labour force.