Over 500 companies in the county have answered in a survey how they perceive, influence and handle the corona situation. More than half of the companies state that they have taken one or more measures due to the situation.

This involves, for example, canceling new hires, relinquishing wages, applying for short-term permits, reducing travel and other current expenses, increasing bank credits, or companies looking for extra jobs and taking on other assignments that are outside the main focus of the business. This is stated in a press release.

More people need to reduce costs in the future

70 per cent of the over 500 entrepreneurs who replied see that additional measures must be taken in the coming months to reduce costs. This can be about reducing staffing, lowering wages, keeping closed, reducing staff working hours, or in the worst case, bankruptcy.

- This shows the extent of the challenge. Many companies are directly affected and basically all companies will be affected. says Anders Hjalmarsson, CEO of the Västerbotten Chamber of Commerce, in the press release.

The questionnaire was sent to nearly 1400 companies in Västerbotten County in various industries in order to get a complete picture of the situation and to be able to implement the right preventive measures. The investigation was carried out on behalf of Foreign Trade Minister Anna Hallberg.