Thousands of employees walk through Northvolt's metal gates in Skellefteå every weekday. For at least a thousand, who are expected to be laid off, time is running out. For hundreds of employees from countries outside the EU, who are here on work visas, the future in Sweden is extra uncertain. If they are laid off, they need to find a new job within three months to be able to stay. The job must meet certain requirements, such as a minimum wage.
Most dare not talk to journalists. Several claim that Northvolt has gagged them.
I'm not allowed to talk to the media. They refer to our employment contract. All questions should be referred to management, says an employee.
"Maybe firing excess staff?"
Several admit to being worried. One person tells that he himself is a refugee and doesn't risk being deported, but that his colleagues from Sri Lanka and Pakistan are terrified. Some have left their home countries and brought their families to Skellefteå.
Maybe some will be forced to leave Sweden if they don't get another chance, says Hasnain, who comes from Pakistan.
He himself hopes and believes that he will be allowed to stay.
An employee from a country in Africa says that no one knows who will be allowed to stay and who will have to go.
When you get your notice in hand, you can think about what's next. Only then can you act, he says.
A notice is not the end of the world, he believes.
You still have alternatives and three more months to look for a job. I heard that the municipality is setting up something to help people, he says.
Not ruling out municipal jobs
Skellefteå municipality has, among other things, great needs in care.
I'll think about my skills and see where I can fit in, he says.
Do you think you'll get a new job in Sweden?
You have to look at the job market, see who you're competing with for jobs, and hope that your skills and experience will be enough for a new job within the time frame, he says.
Several requirements are set for obtaining a work permit in Sweden if you are a citizen outside the EU.
+ A signed employment contract with conditions in line with Swedish collective agreements, a valid passport, and a salary corresponding to at least 80 percent of the median salary, which is at least 28,480 kronor since June this year.
+ If the employment ends, you can stay for three months to look for a new job according to the requirements above before the permit is revoked.
Source: The Migration Agency
