If you become unemployed
The first thing you need to do if you become unemployed is to secure your financial situation. Here we present a summary of important things you need to think about.
Losing your job or not being able to gain a foothold in the labour market are not situations anyone wants to be in. To increase your chances of getting a new job, it is important that you remain active in your search for work. Evaluate and improve your methods and documentation for applications continuously. By working with yourself and seeking outside advice and support, you can avoid getting stuck in a feeling of hopelessness.
The first thing you need to do if you become unemployed is to secure your financial situation. There are some organisations that you will need to contact immediately.
Checklist: 5 steps to secure your finances in case of unemployment
As soon as possible, ask the employer to complete an employer's certificate. For more information, see the unemployment insurance fund website.
You must register as a job seeker with Arbetsförmedlingen – the Public Employment Service – no later than your first day of unemployment.
Apply for compensation from the Akademikernas a-kassa unemployment insurance fund no later than your first day of unemployment.
After you have submitted your application to the unemployment insurance fund, apply for compensation from the Akademikernas Inkomstförsäkring. The income insurance is included in your membership of Engineers of Sweden.
Akademikerförsäkring is your union’s own insurance broker. During an insurance consultation with Akademikerförsäkring, you receive help to review your insurance coverage. Perhaps there is some insurance you can forgo while you are looking for a job?
The insurance brokers work on behalf of you and Engineers of Sweden and they don't receive any commission. They also have a duty to advise against when they see that you have insurance you don't need. All to ensure that you can make informed choices, get the maximum benefit possible from your insurance, never pay for more than you need and always feel secure. The consultation is free of charge.
It is essential that you report to the Public Employment Service (Arbetsförmedlingen)
The safety nets that exist in the event of unemployment require you to show that you are available for work by registering as a job seeker at the Public Employment Service no later than on your first day of unemployment.
You must register on the Employment Service website using your bank ID. If you do not register, there is a danger that you will lose unemployment benefits and income insurance cover. Registration at the Employment Service is also important to ensure that you protect your SGI, (your sickness benefit-qualifying income from the Social Insurance Agency).
Support in the event of unemployment
As a member of Engineers of Sweden and the Akademikernas a-kassa unemployment insurance fund, you can apply for compensation from the income insurance that is included automatically in your membership of the union. And when you are looking for a new job, you can use several other benefits and services that are included in your membership.
For professionally active members of Engineers of Sweden and the Akademikernas a-kassa unemployment insurance fund, income insurance is included in the union membership at no extra cost. The insurance can provide compensation of 80 per cent of a gross monthly salary of up to SEK 100,000 per month for 150 days if you become unemployed involuntarily.
If your employer is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, you also have access to advice and financial help from transition and support organisations: TRR, for people in the private sector; the Job Security Foundation (Trygghetsstiftelsen), for people who work in the state sector; or Omställningsfonden for those who work for a municipality or region.
If your gross income is SEK 25,500 per month or less for at least three months, you have the right to a reduced union membership fee.
As a member of Engineers of Sweden, you can apply for grants from funds that are managed by the union if you are in need of temporary financial help.
- Kamrathjälpsfonden
- Herman och Sigrids Nyléns fond
For more information about each fund (in Swedish only)
The application forms for support are accessible during the respective fund's application period.
Courses, seminars and special offers
As a member of Engineers of Sweden, you have access to our range of free courses, seminars and webinars, as well as special discounts on skills development training in collaboration with various training partners. Membership also gives you access to discounts on several other products and services, such as train travel.
Courses, seminars, webinars and inspiration (in Swedish)
Membership discounts (in Swedish)
Benefits and services when you are looking for a job
Do you need help with updating your CV, interview coaching or discussing different career or job options? Members of Engineers of Sweden have access to a number of services that can help you advance in your career. And when you have found a new job, we can help you to review the terms and conditions before you sign the employment contract.
Benefits and services for your career (in Swedish)
Start your own business
Is being self employed an option for you? We can help you through the process by providing support, service and networking opportunities if you decide to start your own business. As a self-employed member, you may still be entitled to unemployment insurance compensation and income insurance.
