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15.1.2026 | In the first stage, the general social security benefit will be a new social security benefit for unemployed jobseekers, replacing the existing labour market subsidy and basic unemployment allowance. The legislation on the general social security benefit is scheduled to enter into force on 1 May 2026.

23.3.2023 | The amended legislation aims to simplify the pay subsidy system and increase its use by companies. The act will enter into force on 1 July 2023.

1.4.2022 | The Government wants to simplify the rules on pay subsidy and thereby increase the use of pay subsidy, especially by companies. The increase in the use of pay subsidy aims to promote the employment of people in a vulnerable labour market position and to raise the employment rate.

19.9.2022 | The Government has submitted a proposal to Parliament on a pay subsidy reform with the aim of promoting the employment of people in a vulnerable labour market position and increasing the use of pay subsidies, especially by businesses.

13.1.2022 | A new study published on 13 January shows that the most effective support policy for research and development is to allocate subsidies to businesses with high R&D productivity or innovation capacity. Uniformly targeted subsidies – which in practical innovation policy are similar to R&D tax incentives – also bring about substantial growth, albeit to a lesser extent than selectively targeted innovation subsidies.

7.5.2026 | Based on the 2025 hydrogen auction of its Innovation Fund, the European Commission has selected nine projects that will proceed to agreement negotiations. Among them is the Cloudberry project of Finland’s Vetyalfa Oy. The Commission published the results of the auction on 7 May 2026.

30.1.2025 | A working group preparing an overhaul of student financial aid has assessed the current situation in student financial aid and key development needs in the student financial aid system. Needs for development that were deemed essential include reinstating indexation and restructuring interest assistance and loan granting practices to improve the security of student loans. The working group's proposals were submitted to Minister Sandra Bergqvist on 30 January.

2.9.2025 | The Government of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has reached a decision on its budget proposal for 2026. The Government’s decisions aim to support economic growth, which is picking up. Supporting economic growth and continuing responsible fiscal management is necessary to ensure the security of people in Finland and safeguard their access to important services going forward.

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.

22.9.2025 | The Finnish Government proposes EUR 14.8 billion in appropriations for the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and its branch of government for 2026. This is about EUR 0.5 billion less than in the 2025 Budget.

17.12.2025 | The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is requesting comments on a draft government proposal that seeks to prevent intentional misuse of social welfare benefits, reduce incorrect social welfare payments and promote information exchange with the Social Insurance Institution (Kela). Statements may be submitted until 28 January 2026.

21.12.2022 | On this page, you will find information on the changes that will affect the administrative branch of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. For more information on all these topics, see the links for additional information in the press release.

11.2.2022 | As part of its commitment to raise the employment rate, the Government decided on new employment measures on 11 February 2022 that will boost its existing measures.

5.8.2022 | Appropriations of around EUR 3.78 billion are proposed for the administrative branch of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment for 2023, which is EUR 236 million more than in the 2022 budget. In connection with the implementation of the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Plan, a total of EUR 346.13 million in appropriations and EUR 101.5 million in budget authority will be allocated to the administrative branch of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.

23.9.2024 | The Ministry of Education and Culture’s proportion of the 2025 budget proposal is EUR 8.45 billion, which is some EUR 411 million more than in the 2024 Budget. The proposal implements the Programme of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo's Government, which aims to invest, even in a difficult economic situation, in raising the level of education and training and improving the conditions for conducting science, research and development.

15.2.2023 | During 2019–2023, the Government’s working capacity programme sought solutions to the employment problems of people with impaired capacity to work. At the same time, the programme developed more effective services to support working capacity. The closing event of the programme on 15 February examined the employment of people with impaired work capacity from the perspective of social sustainability, inclusion and the service system.

24.1.2025 |    

23.12.2024 | The number of unemployed jobseekers rose by 28,100 from November of last year. The number of new vacancies reported totalled 22,800. In all, the number of unfilled vacancies in November was 44,400, which is 42,600 fewer than a year ago.

5.4.2022 | Prime Minister Sanna Marin’s Government has agreed on the General Government Fiscal Plan for 2023–2026. In its spending limits discussion, the Government decided on extensive measures that will strengthen security, create a vision for the future and build sustainable growth.

5.4.2022 | Prime Minister Sanna Marin’s Government has agreed on the General Government Fiscal Plan for 2023–2026. In its spending limits discussion, the Government decided on extensive measures that will strengthen security, create a vision for the future and build sustainable growth.