TVO submits EIA report on final disposal of very low-level nuclear waste – Comments accepted 1 June–31 July
On 14 May 2021, Teollisuuden Voima Oyj submitted an environmental impact assessment report concerning its project on the final disposal of very low-level nuclear waste in the Olkiluoto nuclear power plant area to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment acts as the coordinating authority in the project.
Government to increase maximum amount of pay security
The Government proposes to raise the maximum amount of pay security to EUR 19,000 from the current EUR 15,200 in order for it to better correspond with the current level of wages. The coronavirus epidemic is expected to increase solvency problems among companies, which in turn may lead to a growth in the number of employees applying for pay security and the amount of claims for it.
Government proposes to extend labour market support for entrepreneurs until the end of September
Entrepreneurs have been temporarily entitled to labour market support because of the coronavirus pandemic. On 12 May 2021, the Government submitted a proposal to Parliament to extend the right of entrepreneurs to labour market support until 30 September 2021. The aim is to ensure the livelihood of entrepreneurs in the uncertain situation caused by the pandemic.
Report: Transformation of work challenges the Nordic welfare model but its strengths may offer a solution
Global megatrends such as digitalisation, ageing population and climate change pose long-term challenges to the Nordic welfare model. The extensive research project carried out by the Nordic Council of Ministers and the research institute FAFO delved into the future of work in the Nordic countries. The final report of the project was published on 7 May 2021. The employment ministers from the Nordic countries will discuss the report’s themes at their informal video meeting on 2 June 2021.
Outlook for regional economies moderately positive
The coronavirus epidemic has weakened the economic and employment prospects in the regions for more than a year, but the outlook is now cautiously positive. The improved expectations are driven by the assumption of a swift rollout of COVID-19 vaccine, an improving epidemiological situation and the lifting of restrictions.
331,500 unemployed jobseekers in March
At the end of March, a total of 331,500 unemployed jobseekers were registered at the Employment and Economic Development Offices and municipalities participating in the local government pilots on employment. This represents an increase of 22,500 from the previous year.
Government employment measures and their impacts
During its current term, the Government will take employment measures that bolster the economy, aimed at achieving an employment-generating impact amounting to 80,000 new jobs.
Talent Boost
The objective of the Government’s joint Talent Boost programme is to make Finland more attractive to international talents and to channel the expertise of international talents already in Finland to support growth, internationalisation and innovation in Finnish companies.
Government report on the future of the retail sector
The future report addresses the ongoing transformation of the retail sector in Finland, and the structural revolution in retail worldwide. The coronavirus pandemic also has a dramatic impact on retail.
Tuula Haatainen
Minister of Employment