Page 154 - Socially-responsible-restructuring-Effective-strategies-for-supporting-redundant-workers

Socially responsible restructuring
Effective strategies for supporting redundant workers

their jobs. Volvo selected StartKraft ( ) and the PES to support both the HR team
61
and workers at risk of dismissal, following a tendering procedure for services
aiming to:
(a) support the redundant worker in analysing the situation, work out an actionn
and act accordingly to find new employment opportunities as soon as
possible. The service provider delivered alternative solutions, such as
continuing training and business start-up;
(b) back managers, human resources and labour union representatives in
preparing and carrying out the restructuring process.
The services provided included job-seeking training, personal coaching, and
individual counselling services for employees made redundant. Meetings were
also arranged with Swedish and international companies looking for new staff.
Accessibility to services was broadened by opening a telephone line and an
office at the Volvo plant in Gothenburg, and providing one-to-one career
guidance.
Managers and high-risk employees received differentiated support. Managers
could be followed up by an agency specialised in headhunting and job-seeking at
management level. A number preferred this solution to being followed by the
TRR. High-risk employees, presenting particular difficulties in reintegrating in the
labour market, were offered an extra educational package. Some employees
received financial support from Volvo for education and training.

6.12.5. Impact and effects
Both the matching process and the efforts made by the external partners
produced good results in reintegration to working life. During the matching
process, 1 000 people made redundant eventually found new positions within
VCC. A further 500 people were transferred to other positions within the Volvo
Cars Torslanda plant in Gothenburg.
TRR reports that 40% of the white-collars who requested professional support
as part of the process reintegrated into working life (whether in permanent or
fixed-term contracts, or by starting their own businesses) or undertook further
training. Of the blue-collar workers who benefited from Startkraft’s services, 80%
gained new positions in permanent or short-term contracts, started their own
business, or followed relevant training. Many blue-collars have had more time to
look for jobs as they received their notice of dismissals earlier. This may partly
explain why more workers than managers found new positions. Some of the

61
( ) StartKraft is a body owned by the TRR which is specialised in assisting blue-collar employees.
Its role consisted in helping the blue-collars made redundant at Volvo.

148