The ministerial working group on employment and entrepreneurship decided on 15 May 2024 to prepare amendments to the Seasonal Workers Act and Decree. The primary route for wild berry picking will be seasonal work in an employment relationship. The aim is that the changes will enter into force for the harvest season of 2025.

According to this spring’s short-term labour market forecast, unemployment growth is about to peak. Long-term unemployment is projected to increase throughout the year.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment requests for comments on the draft proposal for amendments to the Act on Business Prohibitions and the Trade Register Act. The deadline for submitting comments is 18 June 2024.

In its current form, the status of foreign wild berry pickers involves significant risks. To support political decision-making, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment commissioned a study on the economic impacts of different solutions. A working group of the Ministry has also produced an additional impact assessment of the options.

The Government has issued a negative decision on 16 applications for exploitation rights concerning offshore wind power in the exclusive economic zone. Many of the areas located in the Gulf of Bothnia overlap each other.