Support for members affected by Northvolt’s bankruptcy
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Ledarna provides support to affected members through our representatives and negotiators. If you have any questions, you are also welcome to contact our leadership advisory service via the contact form or by phone at 0200-87 11 11.
Contact us
Get in touch with Ledarna if you have any questions regarding your role as a manager or employee.
What happens in a bankruptcy?
When a company goes bankrupt, the district court appoints a bankruptcy trustee whose task is to sell the company’s assets and distribute any surplus. Once the bankruptcy is declared, the trustee takes control of the company, meaning the CEO, board of directors, and (former) owners no longer have authority over it. The trustee is responsible for determining whether the company can continue operations, be sold, or be liquidated.
The bankruptcy trustee usually calls employees to an informational meeting and/or sends out information to explain what will happen next.
Am I automatically dismissed? Should I still go to work?
You are still employed even though the company has gone bankrupt. You have a duty to work and remain loyal to your employer, which means you should continue reporting to work unless the bankruptcy trustee or your manager informs you otherwise.
What happens to my wage, vacation pay, etc.?
If the company can’t pay your wage, the State intervenes and covers them through the government wage guarantee. The wage guarantee covers up to a maximum of four price base amounts, which for 2025 equals SEK 235,200. However, claims must not be too old—wage claims older than three months before the bankruptcy application was submitted to the district court are not covered. For vacation pay, only earnings from the current and immediately preceding accrual year are included.
The earnings guarantee is now paid out by the Swedish Tax Agency. If the bankruptcy trustee can access all wage data in time, they will try to process wage guarantee payments according to the regular payroll schedule. However, there may be a slight delay depending on their workload.
What is my notice period?
If the bankruptcy trustee dismisses you, your notice period follows your employment contract, but the wage guarantee only covers your notice period according to the Swedish Employment Protection Act (LAS). The bankruptcy itself constitutes valid grounds for dismissal due to redundancy.
When should I register with the Public Employment Service (Arbetsförmedlingen)?
If your employer has gone bankrupt, you must register with the Public Employment Service as soon as you are dismissed or relieved from work. Otherwise, you risk losing your wage guarantee. Even if you are relieved from work, you must be available in case the company calls you back. You can register online with the Public Employment Service.
What happens if I get a new job/employment?
Then you need to notify the bankruptcy trustee immediately. Income from other employers will be deducted from the wage guarantee. It is highly recommended that you actively seek new employment, as a bankrupt company will most likely be liquidated.
What if I’m denied wage guarantee?
If your wage guarantee application is denied, immediately contact Ledarna. We may be able to assist you in appealing the decision.
What If my claims (wage, vacation pay, etc.) exceed SEK 235,200?
If you have a high wage, a long notice period, and/or a lot of saved vacation days, you may quickly reach the maximum wage guarantee limit of SEK 235,200 for 2025. In that case, you may receive all or part of your remaining claims if there is dividend —meaning if funds remain after the bankruptcy trustee has sold most of the company’s assets. However, dividends are rare, and there is a risk that any excess claims will be lost.
What happens if I don’t receive my wage and can’t pay my bills?
In urgent situations where your employer has not paid your wage, you may choose to immediately terminate your employment and apply for unemployment benefits. Before doing this, check with your unemployment insurance fund (a-kassa) to ensure they agree that you have the right to resign with immediate effect, as they decide whether you qualify for benefits. If your unemployment benefit application is denied, you can appeal, but the process may take time. If you receive unemployment benefits, you cannot claim wage guarantee for the same period.
Can the bankruptcy estate hire staff?
Yes, the bankruptcy estate can hire employees that are necessary for the liquidation the company.
What happens if I am on parental leave?
If you are on parental leave and the bankruptcy trustee dismisses you, your notice period will not begin until you return to work. However, in many cases, the bankruptcy trustee may request that you interrupt your parental leave, complete your notice period, and then resume the parental leave. However, they cannot force you to pause or end your parental leave.
More about bankruptcy
Read more on the page Bankruptcy and financial difficulties.
