Skellefteå municipality wants to attract new staff to the preschool - campaign receives criticism

In addition to competition from industry, which is also looking for staff, one can add large retirements and larger baby groups to the equation.

Now the preschool unions are sounding the alarm about staff who go to their knees.

- It has become dramatic now, it is difficult for the preschool teachers who remain and may become lonely in their department, says Mikael Johansson, chairman of the Teachers' Union in Skellefteå.

See more about the union's criticism and what response the municipality received to the advertisement in the clip.

Large groups of children

The municipal unions and the teachers' union say that they are receiving signals that it is difficult for their members in the preschool.

- We know that there are large groups of children and if someone is sick there is no one to call in as a substitute, says Anki Petterson, chairman of Kommunal i Skellefteå.

Kerstin Steinvall, head of preschool department, confirms the union's view that it has become increasingly difficult for the staff at several preschools in Skellefteå.

Looking for staff

The municipality wants bums to employ 20 childminders and 10 preschool teachers until further notice.

There are also plans to increase basic staffing and start new local temp pools.

A new campaign to attract staff to the preschool will be launched in mid-December.

- We have put together a solid list of activities that we will introduce now, says Kerstin Stenivall.

Advertising criticism

But the unions are critical of some of the advertising that the municipality has already done.

Advertisements where it is emphasized that "No education is required".

- I can understand that you get worried based on your professional role.

But it is an effort that we are trying so that preschool teachers and childminders can work on their assignments.

Then we need staff with other skills, says head of department Kerstin Steinvall.