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 number of unemployed jobseekers rose by 32,300 from March of last year. The number of new vacancies reported totalled 55,900. In all, the number of unfilled vacancies in March was 134,900, which is 68,400 fewer than a year ago.

The number of unemployed jobseekers rose by 31,600 from February of last year. The number of new vacancies reported totalled 66,700. In all, the number of unfilled vacancies in February was 151,400, which is 46,900 fewer than a year ago.

During 2019–2023, the Government’s working capacity programme sought solutions to the employment problems of people with impaired capacity to work. At the same time, the programme developed more effective services to support working capacity. The closing event of the programme on 15 February examined the employment of people with impaired work capacity from the perspective of social sustainability, inclusion and the service system.

Työkanava employs people with impaired capacity to work and other unemployed people who are in the most difficult labour market position. The company will begin its operations gradually and employ more people with impaired capacity to work as its business expands.