UPDATE: 11:55
In her summary, Ida Rönnblom of Arbetsförmedlingen acknowledged a slight increase in unemployment in both Västerbotten and Skellefteå.
– While there's still demand for workers, international recruitment is challenging due to the time constraints and eligibility criteria associated with work permits, as well as the language barrier. We need to make further progress in addressing these issues, she explained.
UPDATE: 11:40
City manager, Kristina Sundin Jonsson opened by highlighting positive developments since the last press conference, including the announcement of the Norrbotniabanan's construction start.
– We have lost many people during the autumn, but we still have strong population figures, says Kristina Sundin Jonsson
– We can see that emigration has increased. Many who have left were worried about their work and residence visas. We have lost many people during the autumn, but we still have strong population figures, says Sundin Jonsson
UPDATE: 11:25
Skellefteå has experienced a sharp population decline of 785 people in the last quarter of 2024 and the first two months of 2025, largely due to Northvolt layoffs. The population fell from 78,150 at the end of 2024 to just over 77,800 currently.
A significant drop of nearly 500 people occurred in the fourth quarter of 2024, followed by a further decline of 288 in 2025, according to official figures.
Skellefteå municipality has called a press conference for Friday to address the population figures and the measures being taken to retain laid-off Northvolt employees. Norran will provide coverage.