Commission proposes €2.6 million from Globalisation Fund to support former Nokia workers in Finland

The European Commission has proposed to provide Finland with €2.6 million from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) to help 821 former workers of Nokia Network Systems to find new jobs.

The measures co-financed by the Globalisation Fund would help the former workers by providing them with career coaching and individual guidance; employment and business services; a variety of vocational trainings; services for new entrepreneurs and start-up grants; hiring incentives; training-related allowances; pay subsidy and contributions to removal costs.

Marianne Thyssen, EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility, commented: "The global ICT sector constantly requires a new, educated workforce, as the life cycle of products and related software solutions is very short. Therefore, the competition between companies in this globalised sector is fierce. Today's decision will help 821 former Nokia Network Systems workers to develop new skills for new job opportunities. By helping these workers to manage their difficult transitions, the Globalisation Fund proves its worth once again in mitigating the negative effects of changing trade patterns."

Finland applied for support from the European Globalisation Fund following the dismissal of 945 workers in Nokia and three of its suppliers and downstream producers. These job losses were the result of fierce competition between the Finnish ICT sector and its competitors.

The total estimated cost of the package is €4.4 million, of which the Globalisation Fund would provide €2.6 million. The proposal now goes to the European Parliament and the EU's Council of Ministers for approval.