Assa Abloy is one of the companies in SVT's review that has distributed billions in share dividends, and at the same time applied for state layoffs.

After the review, the Swedish Agency for Economic Growth was called up to the Finance Committee, and then the opportunity for large companies to receive state layoff support was stopped if they distributed money to the shareholders.

Assa Abloy has laid off approximately 1,250 people in Sweden. Now the company confirms that it has been granted support for layoffs at three plants in Sweden.

Can be forced to repay

- Yes, that was before the announcement of stricter rules last Thursday. Since then, we have not sought any new support, and we will of course follow the Swedish Growth Agency's rules, says Christiane Belfrage.

There is thus much to suggest that Assa Abloy could become one of the companies that is forced to repay money.

The Growth Agency emphasizes that all messages and payments of support are preliminary, and can be reconsidered when reconciled. Conducting dividends can then be regarded as evidence that one does not have such a big crisis that one needs support.

Withdrawed dividend

SKF withdrew its application for support, following the Swedish Growth Agency's message. The trucking company Volvo, which has laid off 20,000 in Sweden and can receive billion in support, decided on Tuesday to withdraw the dividend for the year.

Volvo's competitor Scania has short-term permits for 18,000 and has been granted support. Scania is owned by German Volkswagen and had planned to distribute six billion to the owner company, but still has not held its meeting.

"There is a proposal, but all parties know that if we distribute money, the possibility of receiving the state severance assistance will be reduced," says Karin Hallstan, Head of Communications at Scania.