According to the Working Life Barometer, nearly three quarters of employees considered their possibilities to reconcile work and other life good in 2023. On the other hand, there is plenty of room for improvement in competence development at workplaces.

According to a report commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, the employment rate and average income vary strongly among people who have arrived in Finland for different reasons, especially in the early stages of their stay. The differences in the employment rate and income between immigrants and people with Finnish background narrow along with the length of stay in Finland.

The number of unemployed jobseekers rose by 16,900 from September of last year. The number of new vacancies reported totalled 56,900. In all, the number of unfilled vacancies in September was 109,300, which is 62,200 fewer than a year ago.

The number of unemployed jobseekers rose by 10,400 from August of last year. The number of new vacancies reported totalled 64,700. In all, the number of unfilled vacancies in August was 114,400, which is 61,100 fewer than a year ago.

The expectations of SMEs have improved since last spring. According to the new SME Barometer, company expectations have recovered from the exceptionally negative spring to the same levels as a year ago as the effects of the energy crisis and the war in Ukraine have stabilised. However, expectations remain negative. The state of the economy is expected to deteriorate slightly over the next year. SMEs’ willingness to invest remains modest.