Arbetslinjen

Arbetslinjen (Swedish pronunciation:, lit.'the work line') is a socialpolitical principle that emphasizes measures that primarily attempt to give the unemployed jobs instead of assistance in the form of allowance, as much as possible. This line was developed in Sweden between the years 1914 and 1920, and the term itself was used as early as the 1920s.

Arbetslinjen has been the main theme of the Moderate Party since 2005 and the core of former Prime MinisterFredrik Reinfeldt's policies with lower taxes for low and middle income earners, reduced allowance and increased focus on reducing exclusion. Arbetslinjen has since been adapted by the Social Democrats, and the closely allied trade union organisation LO, with a slightly different focus. However, there is a consensus regarding that people should be "stimulated", and or (de facto) forced into waged work, or actively seek employment to be eligible for support from the society. This was done by, among other things, implementing a program known as ('Phase 3') which over time became a controversial issue.