Sweden’s total ongoing employment increased by 0.8 percent in February 2026 compared with the same month last year, according to Statistics Sweden. 5 323 000 positions were recorded, an increase of 43 000. Women’s employment rose 0.9 percent to 2 613 000, while men’s increased 0.7 percent to 2 710 000. The biggest sectoral gain was in the state sector, up 2.9 percent for both genders. Total hours worked fell 1.2 percent to 630 million. Payroll grew 4.1 percent, reaching 201 billion SEK. The overall sick‑leave rate remained unchanged at 2.6 percent, with 3.0 percent for women and 2.2 percent for men. Employment lasting longer than six months rose 1.0 percent to 4 233 000, while short‑term jobs (six months or less) increased 0.3 percent to 1 090 000. Begun and ended positions saw minor changes, with new hires at 161 000 and terminations at 244 000.
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