How to kickstart the service sector - Almega's restart program
The program consists of three parts. The first part focuses on measures that strengthen employers' ability to rehire and recruit, and on measures that stimulate the consumption of services. The second part consists of proposals aimed at boosting Sweden's growth and the productivity and competitiveness of the business sector, and part three highlights key investments crucial to a successful sustainable transition. The total cost of the measures amounts to more than SEK 150 billion, but the investment is crucial if the country's most important sector is to get back on its feet.
IT&Telecom companies, together with Almega's other unions, have been involved in the development and our previously presented package of measures is reflected in many of the proposals. Christina Ramm-Ericson, Head of Industrial Policy at IT&Telekomföretagen, highlights three areas of particular importance:
- Accelerating digital transformation such as investing in fast broadband and 5G.
"The coronavirus crisis has highlighted the need for people and businesses across the country to have access to fast and secure connectivity. Investing in fast broadband and 5G creates good conditions for society at large and is a necessity for rural areas
- Ensuring the supply of skills to businesses.
Among other things, it is proposed that workers have access to special tech checks for skills development in IT and new technologies.
- Accelerate the digital transformation of health and social care.
In light of the many challenges currently facing health and social care (linked to the coronavirus and demographic trends), we need to accelerate the digital transformation of the entire system, and it is urgent.