STOCKHOLM - SWEDEN'S government proposed measures on Friday worth eight billion kronor (S$1.4 billion) to ease pressure from the global financial crisis especially in the labour market and construction industry.

'Today, the government presents several measures to strengthen labour market policies and increase demand in the construction sector' in 2009, the government said in a statement.

The measures included lowering taxes on construction repair work and maintenance, it said, adding that the taxes would be lowered on all work carried out as of next Monday. -- AFP