This autumn, the revised Labour Force Barometer focuses on the future prospects of the technology industry and the social welfare, health and wellbeing sectors. The greatest shortage of labour is in the health and social services sector, where skilled workers are needed for the care of older people, in particular. The outlook for the technology sector is expected to improve after next summer.

On 23 November 2023, the Government authorised the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment to capitalise Drug Development Centre Oy by EUR 20 million. The company’s task is to evaluate early-stage drug development projects and turn them into commercially viable products and companies worthy of capital investment.

The economic and employment situation in the regions has deteriorated and near-term expectations in many regions are more negative than before. However, the depressed economic trend is expected to be short-lived, with the outlook for the autumn of next year already looking brighter. This data comes from the publication Regional Development Prospects for autumn 2023, the results of which were presented at the Aluekehittämispäivät event in Lahti on 23 November.

On 21 November 2023, the ministerial working group on employment and entrepreneurship discussed the formation of employment areas. A total of 44 employment areas will be established in Finland. Most of the areas reported by municipalities fulfilled the requirements of the Act, but for six areas it is proposed that an application for an exemption be approved.

The Talent Boost programme on work-based and education-based immigration will continue in a revised form during this Government term. The aim is to provide Finland with skills that meet its needs and to strengthen economic growth, employment and innovation activities. The ministerial working group on employment and entrepreneurship approved the programme on 21 November 2023.