In Finland, employment services are under significant pressure due to the recent reform of the social assistance system, which took effect in early March. This reform has led to an increase in the number of clients seeking employment services, but officials from various employment regions question the reform's effectiveness in promoting employment and generating savings. Mari Rautiainen, director of the Oulu employment region, emphasizes the absurdity of welcoming individuals who lack any practical ability to work, suggesting that this creates more challenges rather than solutions for employment services.

The new conditions for accessing social assistance require individuals without work to first register as unemployed job seekers and apply for unemployment benefits, unless they are specifically designated as unable to work or having reduced work capacity. This aims to discourage reliance on social assistance and highlight its role as a last-resort form of support. However, officials are sceptical about whether these measures will achieve their intended outcomes.

As the reform unfolds, there is growing concern about the adequacy of support for people living on social assistance, particularly those who might struggle with eligibility requirements. The impact of these changes on the overall employment landscape in Finland remains uncertain, with officials urging for a more nuanced approach that considers the complex realities facing many potential job seekers.