Avoid insecure employment: How Employer Check works on Bytajobb.se
When looking for a job, it is easy to focus entirely on the work tasks, friendly colleagues, free coffee, and the salary payslip. But in turbulent economic times, there is another factor that is at least as important: The employer's financial health.
Starting a new job always involves a risk. You may be leaving a secure position where you have a notice period and employment protection, to start at a new company with a six-month probationary period. If the new company suddenly falls into crisis, you are the first one to be let go.
To help you make a safe choice, we at Bytajobb.se have built Arbetsgivarkollen (Employer Check) – a tool that analyzes official Swedish company records and displays the details directly in the job ad.
What is solvency and why does it matter?
Simply put, a company's solvency (soliditet) shows how solvent and long-term stable the company is. It is a percentage measure of how large a share of the company's total assets is financed with equity (the owners' own money) rather than debt (loans, credits, accounts payable).
- High solvency (e.g., above 40%): Means the company has a large financial buffer. If the company makes a loss for a year or two, they can easily survive without having to lay off staff or face bankruptcy. They own their own assets to a large extent.
- Low solvency (e.g., below 15%): Means the company has large debts relative to its assets. They are highly sensitive to reduced sales or increased costs. A bad quarter could force them into immediate cost-cutting or, in the worst case, bankruptcy.
Alarming bankruptcy figures in Sweden
In recent years, bankruptcies in Sweden have increased sharply. During 2024 and 2025, the number of bankruptcies rose to historically high levels, with an increase of over 14% in certain sectors (particularly construction, retail, and parts of the IT sector).
Joining a growth company that lives entirely on venture capital or carries heavy debt can be exciting, but it involves a large risk to your personal security.
How to interpret the Employer Check directly in the job ad
When you read an ad on Bytajobb.se, you see a small shield symbol with the company's latest reported solvency figure. Here is how to interpret the colors and levels:
- 🟢 Above 35% (Very secure): The company is in a very good financial position. They stand firm even if the market sways. This is a stable harbor for your career.
- 🟡 15% – 35% (Normal/Stable): Normal solvency for most Swedish limited companies (aktiebolag). The company has a healthy balance and is considered financially sound under normal circumstances.