Getting young people to join the unemployment insurance fund

Young adults often lack knowledge about basic social security systems. Titus Fridell, chair of the Saco Student Council, wants to change that. 

“We want people to join the unemployment insurance fund as soon as they start working. It’s advisable to become a member while you’re still studying,” he says.

Text: Lisa Wallström/Marczak & Utterström | Photo: SACO | Translation: Sophie Miskiw

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Interest in higher education remains strong in Sweden. A total of 383,500 students were registered for studies at universities and colleges in the autumn semester of 2023, according to the latest statistics from the Swedish Higher Education Authority (UKÄ). This is an increase of 11,100 students compared to the year before and close to the peak reached during the pandemic years.

Titus is studying to become a high school teacher and has three years left of his education. However, he is currently on a study break to serve as the chair of the Saco Student Council.

The organization is politically independent but engages in political advocacy on issues relevant to the student sections of all 21 trade unions within Saco.

But in Titus’s experience, the students generally have a poor grasp of what the trade unions and unemployment insurance funds are and how they work. 

“Most people start studying pretty soon after high school, and at that point, they may have no experience of either the workforce or unemployment,” he says.

Titus Fridell, chair of the Saco Student Council

Many also have tight budgets, making it difficult to justify the expense of a membership, no matter how affordable it might be. Especially if you’re studying a long course and it will be a while before you properly enter the workforce. 

At Saco Student Council’s latest congress, the decision was made to specifically focus on issues related to student grants, as well as issues concerning students’ social security systems and their connection to the labour market.

Titus believes that it is largely the responsibility of actors in the labour market to inform students about trade unions and unemployment insurance funds. 

“You often come into contact with the labour market during your studies. Many people work part-time alongside their studies and over the summer. In that case, they need to be properly introduced to the professional world,” he says.

Does Titus think this is something that could be brought up by teachers?

“Yes, I really think it should be addressed. Especially in courses with students who will work in industries where you rarely get full-time positions, and where they are more likely to be hired for uncertain and temporary projects.”

Saco Student Council