The proportion of activities carried out by private enterprises differs between activities. In 2019, the proportion of private enterprises was 21 percent in social services, 19 percent in health care, and 14 percent in education. Since 2007, costs of total activities in health care, education and social services have increased by 71 percent in current prices. The costs of private enterprises have increased by 129 percent over the same period.

Major regional differences in purchases of activities

On average at the national level, municipalities and regions purchased activities from private enterprises and foundations for 13 percent of the total gross cost in 2019. There are major regional differences; Stockholm County has accounted for the highest proportion of purchased activities every year since 2007. In 2019, Stockholm County purchases accounted for 23 percent of the total gross cost. Norrbotten County and Kalmar County accounted for the lowest proportion of purchased activities, at just 5 percent.

Number of enterprises continued to increase

The total number of enterprises in the welfare sector continued to increase. In 2019, there were around 68 000 enterprises active in the welfare sector, which is almost 900 enterprises more than in 2018. This increase occurred equally in education and in health care. In social services, the number of enterprises decreased.

Proportion of gainfully employed persons is largest in the municipalities

Among gainfully employed persons in the welfare sector, just over 50 percent were employed in the municipalities. Among these people, women accounted for just over 80 percent. Among gainfully employed persons in the welfare sector, 20 percent were employed by private enterprises, while regions employed just over 18 percent. The proportion of gainfully employed women in regions was 80 percent, while this proportion was lower in private enterprises, at around 73 percent.

This data is reported in current prices.