The government's assessment is that there is still a prolonged low-growth economy in Sweden. In the third quarter of 2024, unemployment in Sweden rose to 8.5 percent, from 8.3 percent the previous quarter and 7.8 percent the corresponding quarter last year.
This is slightly higher than the forecast of 8.3 percent until next year.
I think you should take every tenth with a bit of caution when making these kinds of measurements.
We have a prolonged low-growth economy. It's noticeable on the labor market and it will take time before it turns – but we will see it turn.
Unemployment is not expected to turn downward until in a couple of years. In 2026, it is estimated to be at 7.9 percent.
The government now wants, among other things, more people to undergo vocational training for adults. In 2025, there will be 120,000 places in various forms of vocational training, according to Persson.
Very many will be able to take an education to be able to take a profession that is waiting for you at the other end, says Persson.
He mentions healthcare and care, bus drivers, electricians, and jobs in the green transition.
Persson also comments on Northvolt, where a total of 1,600 employees were notified of layoffs due to the company's economic crisis.
Despite the bleak situation, he believes that there are good opportunities for the laid-off to find a new job.
There is a very strong labor market in Skellefteå and in northern Sweden.
