The proportion of activities carried out by private enterprises differs between activities. In 2018, the proportion of private enterprises in social services was 22 percent, 19 percent in health care, and 13 percent in education. Since 2007, costs of total activities in health care, education and social services have increased by 68 percent in current prices. The costs of private enterprises increased by 125 percent in the same period.

Large regional disparities in purchased activities

Municipalities and regions purchased activities for 13 percent of the total cost on average at a national level. There are large regional disparities; Stockholm County has accounted for the highest proportion of purchased activities every year since 2007. In 2018, 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 5 percent.

Number of enterprises continues to increase

The number of enterprises in the welfare sector continues to increase. In 2018, there were just over 67 000 enterprises, which is 1 500 more than a year ago. This increase occurred equally in education and in health care. In healthcare, the number of enterprises decreased marginally.

Proportion of gainfully employed persons is largest in municipalities

The proportion of gainfully employed persons in the welfare sector is largest in municipalities, at just over 50 percent. Among these persons, women accounted for just over 80 percent. Municipalities were followed by private companies where the proportion of gainfully employed persons is 20 percent, while regions accounted for just over 18 percent. The proportion of gainfully employed women in regions is the same as in municipalities, 80 percent, while in private companies the proportion of gainfully employed women is lower, at 73 percent.