Skellefteå municipality comments on today's announcement from the trustee of Northvolt

Today, the trustee of Northvolt has announced that a significant part of their employees in Skellefteå will be released from work. According to the trustee, this is a necessary action to keep the factory running, which increases the chances that another party can take over. However, this means that Skellefteå municipality and many of our residents are facing major challenges once again. The municipality's crisis organization has been running for some time.

-We obviously have strong feelings about receiving the news of this. We now expect the government, together with the trustee, to make every effort to find new owners. Keeping production going in a bankrupt company increases the chances of long-term battery production in Skellefteå. However, it is important to point out that we are very sad that so many people are affected, says Lorents Burman (S), Chairman of the Municipal Executive Committee.

During Tuesday to Friday this week, Skellefteå municipality through Welcome house, is organizing an open house at The Great Northern in Skellefteå. External actors and all Northvolt employees are invited. The purpose is to offer a place for government agencies, transition organizations and trade unions to inform about the support they provide. The Red Cross, crisis support group POSOM and the Expats & Friends association will also be present, as well as Skellefteå municipality's customer service to answer questions posed to the municipality. Last week, Beredskapslyftet – an initiative to match employers with job seekers – was also activated at the request of Skellefteå municipality.

Skellefteå municipality's top priority right now is to give attention to and show care for those residents who are concerned, both for themselves and for others. Many people are affected and have huge concerns for their future. Therefore, we are cooperating with organizations that can offer emotional support. Should more resources be needed, the municipality's organizations are ready to act.

Ever since September, when the redundancy notice was issued, our goal has been that as many people as possible should be able to find a new job and stay in Skellefteå and the region. That goal remains firm.

- Once again, we have received very sad news today. For the affected individuals above all, but this will be tough for Skellefteå in the short term as well. Since last fall, a lot of people have lost their jobs, and this is one of the largest bankruptcies in Sweden's industrial history. Skellefteå’s development has been strong so far, but this will lead to a slowdown and a deep bump in that journey. As a municipality, we have done more than what is our responsibility in this situation. Among other things, we have initiated help from Beredskapslyftet. We know that everyone is now doing their utmost for every individual affected by this, says Kristina Sundin Jonsson, Municipal Chief Executive Officer.

For more information, contact:
Lorents Burman (S), Chairman of the Municipal Executive Committee: 070-243 07 00
Kristina Sundin Jonsson, Municipal Chief Executive Officer: 070-608 89 69