Annual Report 2019-2020

16 E F L I N G A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 – 2 0 2 0 As the figure below illustrates, the increase of new and discharged Efling members who are serviced by VIRK counselors has remained relatively constant in the past few years. The age distribution of the members of Efling who seek the services of VIRK is consistent with the union’s gen- eral age distribution, as most of the members of Efling are aged between 20-39 years. Each counselor at VIRK services between 40 and 50 individuals at each time. The service is personal and tailored to the individual needs of each client. It’s safe to say that this service is very valuable for these individuals and all of society because the individuals are helped to reenter the labor market after a physical and/or mental illness. Good results gained by the VIRK counselors of Efling The VIRK counselors at Efling have since the begin- ning discharged 54% of their clients fully rehabili- tated for work, into active search for unemployment or studies eligible for student loans. For the past 3 years, the ratio has remained steady around 54%, which is bound to be considered a good outcome. The number of individuals who have been discharged onto disability benefits has decreased during the past three years, from 18% down to 15%. Age distribution 0% 10% 17% 24% 30% 18% <25 years 25-34 years 35-44 years 45-54 years 55-64 years 64 years> Number of VIRK cases opened and closed by Efling consultants in 2012-2019 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 Cases opened Cases closed 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 165 64 221 102 181 113 238 144 240 138 143 250 257 165 274 159 All additional information regarding the services of VIRK is available at www.virk.is. COVID-19 Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, a decision was made to temporarily close the doors of the union’s office on March 15th of 2020 after an assembly ban took effect on Iceland on March 13th. The staff of the office was divid- ed into two groups and employees worked from home. Preparations for the telework of staff went well and the office has managed to provide the members of Efling with good service quality despite the office closure. The staff of the office have earned much praise and gratitude for their contribution, flexibility and fantas- tic teamwork during these difficult times. The service department managed to process all the grants from the educational- and sickness benefits funds and sickness benefits, as well as responding to the queries of our members via telephone and email. The members must also be commended for their positive attitude regarding the office closure, they continued applying for grants and seeking the assistance of the office and swiftly made the transition over to electronic services via telephone and email. Income source at start and end of VIRK assistance Source at start Source at end 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% 37% 16% 9% 13% 0% 4% 7% 15% 17% 6% 1% 23% 8% 12% 15% 9% 2% 4% Wages Unemployment benefits Student loans No income Financial support Sickness benefit Rehabilitation allowance Disability pension Other 54% útskrifast fullstarfs- endurhæfðir