New initiative to make foreign workers employable in Skellefteå Municipality or with another employer
At the beginning of 2025, Skellefteå municipality will open up for language and introductory employment aimed at EU citizens and third-country nationals
The new temporary employment scheme consists of two tracks. Track 1 is aimed at EU citizens, while track 2 has a university or college education requirement and is aimed at both EU citizens and third country nationals.
The aim is that those who get a temporary job in one of the tracks become employable in Skellefteå Municipality or with another employer. At the same time, the Municipality of Skellefteå is given the opportunity to utilise skills that are needed in its operations.
Track 1 is based on the so-called BEA agreement - provisions for workers in labour market policy measures. The purpose of the agreement is to improve the worker's chances of obtaining regular employment that is in demand on the labour market and thus to reduce unemployment. As the jobs are offered to EU citizens, the national income requirement of SEK 28 500 is not relevant in this context.
Track 2 is based on a different collective agreement, BAL - provisions for workers in labour market introduction employment. Here the salary is higher than the subsistence level.
The temporary jobs are full-time and include training in Swedish and an induction plan with supervision. English language requirements and various skills are linked to the positions.
‘The language and introduction positions are another activity in a series that will make it easier for foreign workers to continue working in Skellefteå, but it is also a good way for the municipality to deal with the current skills shortage,' says Evelina Fahlesson (S), chair of the Personnel Committee.
‘Skellefteå Municipality is working hard to support, help and find solutions for both individuals and employers. As those who are trained in one of the courses are not connected to the municipality in any way, these skills can also be useful to other employers, although our focus is of course on the municipality,' says Kristina Sundin Jonsson, Municipal Chief Executive Officer.
The language and introductory jobs are a measure developed within the framework of the special organisation that the municipality activated in the autumn. The purpose of this organisation is to minimise the negative consequences of the dismissal and bankruptcy of Northvolt on local businesses and municipal activities.
These jobs are to be financed by the extra compensation that the municipality has received from the government for 2025 as a result of the exceptionally high population growth in the municipality.