The Social Services Department was in need of about 500 new substitutes for jobs within healthcare and social care this summer. But the total need is greater than that. However, it seems to have worked out.
– We have managed to solve the staffing issue, Camilla Lindström says.
– There are some areas that have been a big tougher to put together but on the whole the summer is covered. It's great, we’re really happy about it.
The fact that there have been lay-offs and people have lost their jobs in other places is something that the municipality has felt the effects of.
– There is less competition for labour, it’s something we have probably notices, and there have been significantly more applicants for our jobs so we have had a greater selection of applicants.
When we reach Camilla Lindström she does not have the figures for how many applicants they have had but can establish one thing.
– When we checked in spring there were nearly double the amount of applicants as the year prior when we had lots of competition and low unemployment in Skellefteå.
In some places the summer recruitment was done as early as April.
– That’s early. Then again you don’t know if it will last. You may have additional needs or someone might leave their position.
Even if the department has managed to solve the staffing, recruitment is ongoing all summer, Camilla Lindström explains.
– People could get sick or something could happen that means there is an enormous need in one place. Recruitment will be ongoing all summer so if there are people interested in working in healthcare they are welcome to keep applying.