13 Jan 2021
The Swedish municipality of Strömstad has seen a 700 per cent rise in unemployment due to travel restrictions implemented after the start of the Chinese coronavirus pandemic.
The municipality, which lies near the border with Norway, has seen the massive increase in unemployment as border trade and tourism have nearly evaporated.
Local politicians expressed concern over the large number of people out of work, with Kent Hansson, chairman of the Social Democratic Council, telling
Expressen: “I don’t have daily figures, but the last time I heard, just over 12 per cent admitted they were unemployed.
“There are also employment notices that expire in January and February, which will leave more than 1,500 people without a job. That’s up to 20 per cent of the population.”