Main news from press conference:
The new form of employment will be introduced at the beginning of 2025 and is called language and introductory employment. It has been developed within the framework of the crisis group activated by the municipality after Northvolt’s recent layoff notice this fall.
These are full-time positions that include training in Swedish and an introduction plan with a mentorship. Requirements for English and various skill sets are linked to the roles.
"Language and introductory employment is yet another initiative in the series aimed at helping foreign workers secure continued work in Skellefteå and also serves as a response to the current skill shortages in the municipality,"says Evelina Fahlesson (S), deputy mayor and chair of the personnel board, in a press release.
Track 1 is designed for EU citizens and is based on the BEA agreement, which governs labor market policy interventions. This agreement aims to improve participants' chances of securing regular employment in in-demand fields, thereby reducing unemployment. As these positions are offered to EU citizens, the monthly work visa threshold of 28,500 kronor does not apply.
Track 2 requires a university or college education and is open to both EU citizens and non-EU nationals. It is based on the BAL collective agreement, which covers introductory employment. Salaries under this agreement exceed the work visa threshold subsistence requirement.
UPDATE: 12:55
Ida Rönnblom, of Arbetsförmedlingen, then provided a statistical overview of the labour market:
Skellefteå's unemployment has risen significantly, with a 4.5 percent increase since last month.
– This was fully expected, she said.
UPDATE: 12:45:
Sundin-Jonsson says that a significant portion of the workforce comprises EU citizens, with a preponderance originating from non-EU countries.
The municipality is still currently awaiting feedback from the largest employers.
UPDATE: 12:30:
The municipality is also working on following up and analyzing the meet and match events.
Approximately a third of the employers have responded to a survey sent to those who participated.
- They report that they have come into contact with people who have the skills employers need but have had difficulty finding.
- The interest in the employers' vacant positions has been high, and these companies have also received an increased number of applications.
UPDATE: 12:15:
City manager, Kristina Sundin Jonsson, explains a new job initiative; language and introductory employment.
These language and introductory employment programmes aim to help participants become more employable, both within the municipality and with other employers. Positions will be advertised as early as Friday.
The program offers two paths. The first is a language and introductory position with a "BEA-agreement" governing employment terms and salary.
This track aims to increase participants' opportunities for regular employment in high-demand fields and reduce unemployment.
The second track is an introductory position for EU and non-EU nationals with a university or college education.
While completing the program doesn't guarantee a job with the municipality, participants gain valuable skills that will benefit them in their job search with other employers. We expect this model to be successful in the future.