Ardalan Shekarabi (Social Democrats) visiting Arbetsförmedlingen in Skellefteå. Shekarabi argues that the deadline for Northvolt workers to find new jobs must be extended.
Member of Parliament Ardalan Shekarabi (S) visited Skellefteå on Monday, engaging with Arbetsförmedlingen, union representatives, and local politicians.
Shekarabi seeks government intervention through targeted legislation, extending the period non-EU Northvolt workers have to secure new employment before facing deportation.
– We advocate for a fundamental shift in labour immigration policy, prioritising skills and implementing a needs-based system to replace the existing legislation, stated said Shekarabi. Skellefteå unemployment rate continues its sharp rise following the bankruptcy.
The Social Democrats propose increased investment in labour market training, specifically vocational education tailored to address staffing shortages. Shekarabi emphasised that labour market issues are a state responsibility, not solely municipal.
– We cannot abandon those affected. The state must take responsibility, and we don’t want to leave Skellefteå municipality on its own. We want a temporary change in the law for this bankruptcy. It’s one of the biggest bankruptcies in modern Swedish history, so it’s reasonable that we find quick solutions.
Many people are annoyed that Northvolt's management has enriched itself while the company has made billions in losses. At the same time, the state is expected to step in and offer support – doesn’t that send the wrong signals?
– There are rules for everything. That also applies to how resources and investments can be used in a limited company. But when it comes to unemployment, it’s clearly a state responsibility. The support measures are independent of the reason behind the company’s bankruptcy.
Shouldn’t Northvolt’s leadership be held accountable?
– There are legal systems in place for that too.
Ardalan Shekarabi visits Skellefteå to get an understanding of how the unemployment situation is being handled.
Shekarabi thinks a short-term exception makes sense. He points out that unemployment is very high and that finding new jobs in Skellefteå is hard because it's a small job market with long travel distances.
– Skellefteå is basically its own job market. But this isn’t just about Skellefteå – there are big investments in Norrbotten with similar kinds of work. So, a special plan to keep skilled workers here is reasonable.
Shekarabi doesn't think that helping the Northvolt workers would make it harder for Swedish workers to find jobs.
– We want to change the rules so they better fit the skills that are needed. If workers from other countries have the right skills, they should be allowed to stay. If those skills already exist in Sweden, then people who already live here should get those jobs, says Shekarabi.
Anders Eriksson is unit manager for Arbetsförmedlingen in Västerbotten and says that despite the difficult situation, job seekers are showing great gratitude for the support from the community.
Anders Eriksson, who leads Arbetsförmedlingen in Västerbotten, says the situation is very difficult. A year ago, 1,200 people in Skellefteå were registered with them – now it's over 2,000.
Arbetsförmedlingen staff say that most of the foreign workers have university degrees, and many have more than one.
– Also, another 1,000 people still have jobs but have signed up with us. Unemployment is going to increase a lot, says Anders Eriksson.
– The world economy is struggling, and we are in a downturn. There's a lot of doubt and people are holding back. But some companies are still contacting us because they need the skills these workers have.
What do employers say about the three-month work visa limit?
– Employers feel that three months isn't enough time, says Eriksson.