A recent investigation into the practices of SOL, a Finnish cleaning and property services company, has uncovered claims that at least 21 workers were required to pay a threshold fee exceeding €20,000 to obtain a full-time employment contract, which is also linked to securing a residence permit in Finland. These allegations were highlighted in journalist Paavo Teittinen's book 'Pitkä vuoro – Kuinka moderni orjuus juurtui Suomeen' published in the autumn, which addresses the issue of modern slavery in Finland.

In response to these accusations, SOL commissioned an independent study involving a survey sent out to its employees, assessing key processes in their employment situations. The survey was completed by 1,618 workers, and the company also conducted spot checks to evaluate compliance with employment guidelines. Of the respondents, six admitted to having paid the threshold fee or reported being in debt related to their job.

This situation raises serious implications for labor rights and the treatment of workers in Finland, particularly those in precarious employment situations such as cleaning staff. The findings could lead to greater scrutiny of labor practices within the country and potential reforms to protect vulnerable workers from exploitation, highlighting the urgent need for regulatory oversight in employment practices.