Adecco's communications manager, Sofie Brange.
The Adecco Group is one of the world’s largest employers, with around 700,000 temporary consultants in more than 60 countries, according to the company’s own website.
In Skellefteå, they have been present since 2007, when they acquired what was previously called Proffspoolen. At their peak, they had well over 100 employed consultants working at companies throughout Skellefteå municipality.
But in recent years, that number has declined. In autumn 2022, they lost their contract with Rönnskärsverken, and since then, changes at Northvolt have also affected the number of consultants, according to information seen by Norran.
Now, as they choose to shut down their staffing operations in Skellefteå, there are 17 employed consultants who are now being given notice of termination.
– It’s a very unfortunate situation as we’ve unfortunately had to lay off consultants in Skellefteå. Due to a declining market, followed by negative results, we are now closing down the unprofitable part of the business in Skellefteå, says communications chief Sofie Brange in a statement to Norran.
One of those who has been laid off is Tommy Lundqvist. He says they were given notice a few weeks ago, and that he was informed of the termination yesterday by a colleague. He shares that he is currently on sick leave due to a cancer diagnosis.
– It’s like a real kick in the guts, and now I feel even worse. It couldn’t be any worse, he says.
His job as a mechanic was a source of security that he had hoped to return to.
– The hope of getting back to work is what’s kept me going. Now it feels like all my spark for life is gone, he says.
A few employees will remain in Skellefteå to work in recruitment. There is still an ambition to grow in the white-collar sector, according to Brange.