Local government pilots offer lessons on cooperation and joint development
The ongoing local government pilots on employment are the first step in strengthening the role of municipalities in organising employment services, in...
Finland defends strong EU competition policy
In recent years, the EU competition policy has been held in less than high regard by some EU countries; in fact, some have dismissed it as a rigid, naive and...
Bridging the gap between us and our Nordic neighbours
Recent growth in each demand item contributing to GDP has prompted a dizzying upward spiral in the labour market. Each of the demand items – private...
Seasonal worker advisory service results in reports of offences and occupational safety inspections
Seasonal workers are the largest group of foreign workers in Finland. A large number of them work on farms in shortterm employment relationships. The...
Finding solutions for increased private investments in sustainable development
Achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) during this decade will require significant changes to the way the public and private sectors...
Business expected to respect human rights – regulation considered both in Finland and at EU level
Debate on regulating responsible business conduct is going strong. Initiatives related to due diligence are in the spotlight. Due diligence refers to the...
Stricter regulation of digital giants needed
A number of digital and social media companies have grown so large that their activities are starting to have harmful effects on society as a whole. The...
EU Commission’s initiative will combat in-work poverty
The European Commission presented its proposal on the European minimum wage today, 28 October 2020. The directive aims to guide and provide a framework for...
Market surveillance reform improves the operating environment for businesses and consumers
The first waves of the market surveillance reform have now arrived, with the Government submitting to Parliament a proposal for amendments to the Act on the...
Family and work – Do the puzzle pieces fit together?
The figures in the recent population forecast look gloomy, exhausted parents work from home in self-isolation, and fewer and fewer new jobs are available....
Non-discrimination in working life enhances wellbeing and productivity
Pride Week reminds us of the only alternative available for Finnish working life: to move forward. The right to live without discrimination is a human right,...
Support for Finnair personnel
Today, Finnair announced startling plans to cut approximately 1,000 jobs. Following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, travel has decreased...
It is time to take action to create an equal labour market
An interesting task landed on my desk six months ago. I was asked to draw up a cross-administrative report at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment...
Patient care preparedness and care personnel’s wellbeing to be ensured during the coronavirus pandemic
Finland declared a state of emergency on 16 March 2020 in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Emergency powers were granted under the Emergency Powers Act...
EU single market helps to recover from COVID-19 crisis
The COVID-19 crisis has shown the importance of the EU’s single market for citizens and businesses. A well-functioning single market is needed for...
Are there any summer jobs available?
These are exceptional times in many ways, and summer jobs are no exception. At the beginning of the year, summer jobs were being posted via the public...
Setting the tone for economic policy requires care and consideration
The report of Professor Vesa Vihriälä’s working group on Finland's economic strategy for overcoming the coronavirus crisis was published today. This...
Tuula Haatainen: We must take fast and effective action to ensure the functioning of the labour market
The situation in the labour market and in the business sector has seen a dramatic turn for the worse following the coronavirus outbreak. This is no time...
Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä: Support will be given to entrepreneurs facing hardship
We are making determined efforts to help Finnish companies suffering from the difficulties caused by the coronavirus.
Minister of Employment Tuula Haatainen: No disruptions in the supply of daily consumer goods
I have discussed the supply of daily consumer goods with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment and the senior public officials of the National...