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14.6.2024 | On 14 June 2024, the ministerial working group on employment and entrepreneurship adopted an action plan to help people who have fled Ukraine. In accordance with the Government Programme, the aim is to help Ukrainians enter the labour market and to support their participation in Finnish society.

22.2.2024 | On 22 February 2024, the Government made a decision on four employment areas. All future employment areas are now known.

17.4.2024 | As part of its adjustment measures outlined in the spending limits session of 15–16 April 2024, the Government has decided to terminate the funding of Työkanava Ltd and dissolve the company. The launch of Työkanava’s employment activities has not met the objectives set for the company.

16.11.2023 | The situation in Finland’s labour market is looking bleak. Many employees will be laid off, with the number of layoffs expected to rise to close to the highs experienced during the financial crisis of 2009. In particular, the economic trend in manufacturing and construction will be unfavourable and be reflected in the demand for services.

16.5.2025 | The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health requests comments on the comprehensive reform of the Social Assistance Act by 27 June 2025. The amendments to the Act would strengthen, for example, the obligations of recipients to apply for primary benefits and full-time work. The aim is to reinforce the role of social assistance as a last-resort and temporary form of assistance and to strengthen general government finances.

8.8.2025 | The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health proposes appropriations of EUR 14.8 billion for the Ministry and its branch of government for 2026. This is about EUR 475 million less than in the 2025 Budget. The funding of wellbeing services counties is not included in the appropriations for the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and its branch of government. Instead, it falls under the main title of the Ministry of Finance.

18.12.2024 | The comprehensive reform of the Integration Act (KOTO24) aims to speed up the integration and employment of immigrants and to strengthen their knowledge of Finnish society. The reform is related to the T24 reform where employment and economic development services are transferred from the central government to municipalities.

25.2.2025 | Starting on 1 March 2025, the Development and Administrative Services Centre (KEHA Centre) will be responsible for the Employment Service Statistics. The statistics contain key data on unemployed jobseekers, job vacancies and public employment services. Until now, it has been the task of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment to maintain, develop and communicate about them.

23.5.2025 | The OECD sees vast potential for clean economic growth in Finland. However, structural reforms will be required to realise this potential. Among other things, the OECD recommends that Finland boost higher education, attract high-skilled immigrants and improve incentives for investments. Further adjustments to public finances are necessary due to rising defence spending.

18.12.2024 | The structures and responsibilities for organising employment services will be reformed at the turn of the year. As a result of the reform, the responsibility for organising employment and integration services will be transferred to municipalities and employment areas formed by municipalities. The role of the central government will focus on guidance, development and the nationwide functioning of the employment service system.

5.6.2025 | On 5 June 2025, the Government issued a decree on sectors with labour shortages in which the holders of residence permits for employed persons may seek work more flexibly. At the same time, the Government wants to facilitate the supply of labour in sectors suffering from labour shortages.

19.11.2024 | The expected recovery of the employment rate will be delayed by the labour market downturn in autumn 2024. Long-term unemployment is projected to increase until 2026.

10.10.2025 | A new report assesses the components of the flexicurity model and its suitability for Finland. The model brings together flexible employment protection legislation, strong unemployment security and a broad, active labour market policy.

20.5.2025 | The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment’s labour market forecast for spring 2025 predicts that employment will grow next year, but the number of long-term unemployed people threatens to rise to a very high level.

10.9.2025 | VALTIONEUVOSTO PL 23, 00023 Valtioneuvosto vn.fi p. 0295 16001 STATSRÅDET PB 23, 00023 Statsrådet vn.fi/sv Tfn 0295 16001 1(2) Employment package decided on in the government budget session Employment voucher for young people • The Government will...

30.4.2026 | FINNISH GOVERNMENT PO Box 23, FI-00023 Government, Finland vn.fi/en Tel. +358 295 16001 VALTIONEUVOSTO PL 23, 00023 Valtioneuvosto vn.fi p. 0295 16001 1(6) Measures to support economic growth, employment and households decided on in the government...

15.1.2026 | The changes to be made to social assistance will, for example, strengthen the obligations of recipients to apply for full-time work and primary benefits. The overall reform of social assistance aims to clarify the role of social assistance as a last-resort and temporary form of assistance, prevent social exclusion among young people and strengthen general government finances.

14.11.2025 | A turning point is expected in Finland’s labour market by the end of 2025. Growth in employment is projected to accelerate in 2027, and unemployment to begin falling more clearly.

5.1.2026 | The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health invites comments on the integration support. The comments should be submitted by 16 February 2026.

19.5.2026 | The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment has submitted two applications to the European Commission to qualify for support from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF). The support aims to help redundant workers find new jobs through learning of new skills and individual and locally targeted employment services.