Government to tackle labour exploitation with a broad action plan

The promotion of work-based immigration requires that exploitation of foreign labour is effectively and proactively combatted. The new action plan for prevention of labour exploitation will tackle the phenomenon with legislative reforms and increased cooperation between the authorities during the government term.

“Finland needs international workforce to meet the need for skilled labour. At the same time, we must actively combat any abuses so that people coming to Finland can work in fair and safe conditions. The Government’s goal is to ensure this through the action plan’s broad-based measures,” says Minister of Employment Arto Satonen.

In recent years, a record number of cases or suspected cases of work-related exploitation have been exposed in Finland. The action plan includes legislative reforms, increased cooperation and exchange of information between the authorities, and investments in advisory services to raise awareness of the problem at different stages. 

The ministerial working group on employment and entrepreneurship adopted the action plan on 15 February 2024.

Cooperation between authorities to bring more cases to light

The action plan has five main objectives, which will be promoted with a total of 33 measures. New measures will be launched in different ministries and their administrative branches according to a  timetable. Existing and proven measures will be enhanced.

Several measures aim to increase cooperation and the exchange of information between authorities. The operating environment for the authorities involved in combating the shadow economy, economic crime and exploitation will be secured and inter-authority cooperation will be improved.

Different means will be used to better identify and detect exploitation and trafficking in human beings and to prevent the recurrence of such abuses. Work-based residence permits will be better monitored both before and after their issuance so that discrepancies in pay, for example, can be detected more effectively. The line between entrepreneurship and employment relationship will be clarified and the position of victims will be improved. 

Tools for employers to combat exploitation

The Government will supplement the labour force primarily from EU/EEA countries, while also promoting international recruitment in a targeted manner from third countries. Promoting work-based immigration requires measures against exploitation, ranging from those in the countries of origin to those in Finnish workplaces. 

“Combating abuse requires extensive cooperation, in which employers also play a key role. We will create criteria for identifying reliable partners in Finland. This will increase employers’ corporate social responsibility and support ethical international recruitment,” Satonen says. 

At the same time, it will be ensured that employees receive sufficient information about their rights and responsibilities and the Finnish labour market. Support and information must be available at different stages and in different languages.

In addition, the Government will make punishments more severe and enforce criminal liability more effectively while ensuring the legal protection of the suspect.

Work to continue through the government term

A steering group appointed by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment in September 2023 monitors the implementation of the programme throughout the government term. The steering group is chaired by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment and it includes representatives from the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Ministry of Finance.

The working group on the action plan for prevention of labour exploitation will continue its work until 2027. The programme has been produced in close collaboration with the Advisory Board for Terms of Employment and Permit Supervision of Foreign Workers and Entrepreneurs, in which the social partners are also represented.

Inquiries:
Veera Svahn, Special Adviser to the Minister of Employment, tel. +358 295 047 321 (questions to the Minister of Employment)
Kristel Stenman-Huuskonen, Project Manager, tel. +358 295 047 350