The social partners in Sweden have concluded two ground-breaking national deals to promote education and training and develop new skills in the workforce, with financial support from the government.

Danish trade unions are urging the government to adopt a strategy that would give more people the right to switch professional direction throughout their careers. According to the Danish Trade Union Confederation (FH), fewer Danes now continue their education while in the labour market than before, even though the retirement age is rising. To reverse the decline in lifelong learning, the FH proposes a “right to change lanes” for anyone who has been in employment for a number of years - for example, workers between the ages of 45 and 60.