The Swedish Job Security Council, usually called TRR (the full Swedish name is Trygghetsrådet), has released figures showing an improved job landscape for white-collar workers.
TRR is a non-profit organisation co-founded (in 1974) by The Confederation of Swedish Enterprise and The Council for Negotiation and Cooperation in 1974 to support white-collar workers with job transition.
The new figures it has released show that during the first half of this year, 4,900 white-collar workers received support from TRR to seek new employment. That is 1,500 fewer than the same time last year, said Erica Sundberg, chief operating officer at TRR
"We see this as a clear recovery. Even though it is still a recession, the demand for labour has increased," she said.
Above all, it is the public sector that needs more white-collar workers.
"It is defence, the security industry, correctional services and municipalities and regions that need white-collar workers," said Sundberg.
The private sector has not really gotten going yet, but that is how it usually is, she said. The public sector is leading the way.
"82 percent of those who have been laid off get a new job," she added.
Most go to permanent jobs, only a small number to temporary or fixed-term employment. Some 6 percent, start studying, and about the same proportion start their own businesses.
On average, it now takes 227 days from the time TRR receives the unemployed until they leave with a new job or new employment, she said.
"It takes time to look for a job. It's a craft. Our advice is to try to remember that regardless of age and background, it works out for the vast majority of people. You may be feeling a little down-and-out when you come to us, but we try to energise people again.
Her opinion is that the ageism that many people talk about is not such a big problem.
"We see that things are going well even for senior civil servants. The 227 days may be a little longer, but it is possible to get a job," she said.
She advises everyone, even civil servants who have jobs to 'keep house' and make sure to develop their skills.
"We live in a changing world," said Sundberg.