Crowded at the job fair in Skellefteå after Northvolt’s mass layoffs

The number of registered visitors to the recruitment fair has increased rapidly after Northvolt’s mass layoffs. When the fair began, almost 1,400 people had signed up to meet nearby municipalities and companies looking for staff.

– We want to keep as many as possible in northern Sweden. We are growing and need more employees, says Jonas Jones, human resources manager at LKAB.

Low unemployment

The possibility of getting a new job is quite big for many of the visitors. During the third quarter of the year, Västerbotten had the lowest unemployment in the country, with 3.7 percent according to the Employment Agency. The lowest is in Skellefteå with 3 percent.

– I think I have a good chance, there are many companies here, says Isa Törnblom, who had to leave Northvolt.

Short of time

But for many of the visitors, it is urgent if they want to stay in the country. For labor immigrants from countries outside the EU, a new job is required within three months and a salary of at least SEK 28,000 a month.

– I lost my job at Northvolt and need to find a new one immediately. It doesn’t matter what, as long as it covers the minimum wage, says Sumaiya Ferdous.

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