SKELLEFTEÅ 20240924
Anställda går av sitt skift vid Northvolts fabrik i Skellefteå dagen efter beskedet att 1000 personer kommer få lämna Northvolts anläggning i Skellefteå.
Foto: Pontus Lundahl / TT / Kod 10050
From unemployment benefits to job placement services, the Swedish system provides comprehensive support to assist workers in finding new opportunities and securing their livelihoods. You must register with Arbetsförmedlingen no sooner than on your first day of unemployment. A good place to start is at the Arbetsförmedlingen website in English. This resource is comprehensive.
(See fact box at bottom of article for advice for non-EU staff on work visas. We will update this advice.)
1. Unemployment benefits (A-kassa)
One of the first lines of financial support for employees who lose their jobs in Sweden is the unemployment insurance system, known as A-kassa. This benefit is available to individuals who meet certain conditions, such as having been employed for at least 12 months and being a member of an unemployment insurance fund. In some circumstances you don't need to be part of an unemployment fund to get assistance. See information from Arbetsförmedlingen here.
2. Income insurance
In addition to A-kassa, many employees, especially those belonging to professional unions such as Sveriges Ingenjörer or IF Metall, may also have access to income insurance. This additional insurance helps bridge the gap for higher earners who may otherwise be capped by a-kassa’s maximum limit. Most unions provide this. The conditions however may be different. For example, with IF Metall you need to have been a member for 12 months to benefit from the insurance. You can also be credited with time from another trade union if you change union during those 12 months.
- Coverage: Income insurance ensures that laid-off workers can maintain a higher proportion of their previous income, sometimes up to 90%, depending on their union agreement.
- How to access: To benefit from income insurance, workers need to file a claim through their union. This is typically a straightforward process for union members, and guidance is usually provided.
Sweden’s Arbetsförmedlingen, the Swedish public employment service, plays a central role in helping laid-off workers transition into new employment.
3. Support from the Swedish Public Employment Service (Arbetsförmedlingen)
Sweden’s Arbetsförmedlingen, or the Swedish Public Employment Service, plays a central role in helping laid-off workers transition into new employment.
- Job matching: The agency helps match workers with new job opportunities across Sweden. Given the demand for skilled labor in sectors like green technology, engineering, and renewable energy, displaced Northvolt workers may find promising prospects in related fields.
- Career coaching: Arbetsförmedlingen also offers career coaching, which includes help with CV writing, interview preparation, and job search strategies.
4. Training and retraining programs
Sweden’s strong emphasis on lifelong learning means there are numerous opportunities for workers to retrain or upskill after losing their jobs. With the country’s focus on innovation and green energy, Northvolt workers may consider leveraging their experience and skills to transition into new industries.
- KOMVUX: The Komvux system, or adult education programs, provides free or subsidized courses for individuals looking to gain new qualifications. This can be an ideal option for workers who want to diversify their skills or transition into a different sector.
- Yrkeshögskolan (Vocational Higher Education): Yrkeshögskolan offers specialized programs that are tailored to meet the needs of specific industries. Given Northvolt's focus on battery production, workers may be able to enroll in courses related to renewable energy, engineering, or manufacturing to enhance their job prospects.
Sweden’s well-established social safety nets and support systems offer a range of services designed to help those affected.
5. Support from Trygghetsrådet (The Job Security Council)
Some Northvolt employees are covered by collective agreements that include the services of TRR Trygghetsrådet, or the Job Security Council TRR. This organization plays a crucial role in supporting laid-off white collar workers by offering a variety of services designed to ease the transition into new employment. To receive the support, you must have been employed during 12 of the last 24 months, and have worked at least 16 hours a week on average per calendar month.
- Career transition support: TRR Trygghetsrådet provides personal career counseling, job placement services, and access to training programs. This helps workers identify their strengths, explore new career paths, and find suitable employment opportunities.
- Financial support: In some cases, TRR Trygghetsrådet can offer financial assistance to those pursuing further education or retraining to help them adapt to the changing labor market.
6. Support from Trygghetsfonden TSL (the TSL Job Transition Foundation)
Blue-collar workers at Northvolt covered by theTeknikavtalet collective agreement with IF Metall, may be eligible for job transition support from Trygghetsfonden TSL and, if aged 40 or above, severance pay (AGB) from Afa Försäkring.
The job transition support includes active help with finding a new job, starting your own business or beginning studies. With the support from Trygghetsfonden TSL, 9 out 10 people on average find a new solution on the labour market.
You may be able to participate in a shorter training course, if it improves your employability, and career and study guidance is available if you want to start a longer training programme. There are also opportunities for financial support during your studies.
To take advantage of TSL’s support, you must have been working for at least 12 of the past 24 months and you must be under 65 years old.
To receive severance pay and be eligible for financial study support you must meet additional criteria.
If you are eligible for job transition support from TSL, Northvolt and a union representative will automatically handle the application process for you. There is no need for you to apply; you only need to accept the offer when contacted.
Learn more at TSL.se or watch TSL’s video explaining the support in further detail.
7. Relocation assistance
For some of the laid-off Northvolt employees, although Skellefteå municipality is very keen to keep people in the region, relocating to another region or even another country may present new job opportunities. Sweden offers a variety of relocation assistance programs, including subsidies for moving costs and housing.
8. Jobbsprånget
Jobbsprånget is a national internship program aimed at helping foreign-born professionals integrate into the Swedish job market.
It is primarily designed for immigrants with academic backgrounds, including engineers, architects, scientists, and economists, who have recently arrived in Sweden and are seeking work experience. It's Sweden's largest internship program for foreign-born academics. Since 2016, they have connected over 4,300 individuals with more than 700 employers in need of their skills.
A significant number of participants in its program secure employment, either with their current employer or at a different company, following their internships. Its primary objective is to facilitate the integration of foreign-born professionals into the Swedish labor market through advanced internships. Jobbsprånget is funded by the government and Wallenberg Foundation and operates in close collaboration with Arbetsförmedlingen.
Jobbsprånget aims to bridge the gap between education and employment by offering a four-month internship program. Participants gain valuable professional experience, networking opportunities, and insights into Swedish work culture. Simultaneously, companies benefit from access to a pool of highly skilled talent, helping to address Sweden's demand for qualified workers.
Eligibility for the program includes proficiency in English or Swedish and at least a bachelor’s degree. Participants can apply through the Jobbsprånget website, and companies from various sectors across Sweden offer internship placements.
The next application period isn't officially open until December, but I've been told that interested Northvolt candidates can register straight away.
Losing your job is a worrying time, but try not to panic. You can seek mental health support to see you through the upheaval.
9. Mental health support
Losing a job can be emotionally challenging, and Sweden has a strong network of mental health services available to provide support. From counseling through primary healthcare to occupational health services provided by employers, workers can access mental health care to help them navigate this difficult time.
10. Företagsakuten – Business crisis support
In addition to direct support for laid-off employees, Sweden has introduced Företagsakuten, a national business crisis program. This initiative, primarily aimed at small businesses, could indirectly benefit some affected workers. For instance, employees who wish to start their own businesses or explore entrepreneurial options may receive funding, advice, and mentorship through this program.
11. Welcome House Skellefteå
This Skellefteå municipality advice service, both in real life and online, has just expanded its services to help those affected by the current situation. It's located in the Stadshus in the center of town.