A new analysis reveals that over 40% of unemployed people in Finland are classified as very hard to employ, with significant barriers particularly affecting young adults and suburban populations.
A fresh analysis from the Economic Research Institute (EVA) indicates that only 23% of Finland's unemployed individuals are ready for quick employment, with issues particularly concentrated among youth and residents of suburbs. The study highlights a rising trend in white-collar unemployment, showcasing a broader economic challenge.
The report reveals that a significant portion of the unemployed and those outside the labor force have drifted so far from the job market that mere economic growth or increased job offerings would not suffice in bringing them back to work. According to EVA's statistics, 42% of the unemployed fall into the category of being very hard to employ, compounded by the fact that 35% of these individuals encounter clear obstacles to employment. Only a limited group qualifies as quickly employable: mainly under-50 unemployed individuals with post-secondary qualifications who have a work history and have not experienced prolonged unemployment.
Currently, around 170,000 working-age Finns lack any substantial work history over the last decade. This scenario raises concerns especially regarding the youth demographic, as prolonged unemployment among young people poses a significant socio-economic dilemma. If these trends continue unaddressed, they could lead to long-term dependency on social welfare and hinder Finland's economic potential.
