Lessebo municipality in Sweden is planning to lay off approximately 20 employees, with preschool teachers particularly affected, according to local reports. The layoffs include 11 full-time preschool teacher positions, though additional part-time staff may also lose their jobs. The job cuts are reportedly due to a shortage of work resulting from decreased birth rates in the region.
According to Smålandsposten, two preschools in the municipality are closing, which is contributing to the layoffs. Negotiations between the municipality's child and education administration and labor unions are currently ongoing. The layoffs are expected to begin at the end of February if alternative work assignments cannot be found for affected employees.
This situation reflects a broader trend in several Småland municipalities where reduced birth rates have led to preschool closures and staff reductions.