Finnish Reform Programme Awarded the 2006 Carl Bertelsmann Prize

The Carl Bertelsmann Prize worth EUR 150,000 has this year been awarded to Finland. Top place was taken by the Finnish National Programme for Ageing Workers (FINPAW).

The programme is an initiative of the Finnish Government in cooperation with social and research partners, and other associations involved in improving working conditions for older people.

The decision was based on an international study commissioned by Bertelsmann Stiftung and conducted by Prognos AG.

In addition the judges highlighted model programmes in Australia, the Netherlands and Great Britain, also designed to improve employment conditions for older workers. Sound employment policies in all these countries have succeeded in significantly raising the number of people in the workforce between the ages of 55 and 64.

Bertelsmann Stiftung helps find ways to address the plight of older employees in Germany.

"By recognising the Finnish reform programme, Bertelsmann Stiftung wants to help point the way to solutions for overcoming the problem of dramatically low employment among Germany's older population," said Executive Board Member Dr. Johannes Meier at the announcement of this year's prize-winner.

According to Meier, demographic trends indicate an urgent need for a social paradigm shift towards longer working lives. Finland, in this sense, has proven its ability to adapt successfully to changing conditions and demonstrates that targeted political adjustments can successfully contribute to real solutions, even in difficult employment circumstances.

"Particularly commendable in the case of Finland is the consistent national-level strategy and commitment to implementation – on the part of the government, labour unions and employers, and as demonstrated by the level of cooperation among government ministries," explains Meier.

An economic crisis in the early 1990's served as the catalyst for Finland's successful employment reform efforts. An additional factor was the fundamental shift away from a national economy based on production and processing of raw materials to one based on technology – creating the need to provide older workers with further training.













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