Photo: ICPonline

Recruiters in Finland report a sharp rise in frustration and aggression from jobseekers, as long-term unemployment continues to grow and competition for jobs intensifies.

With the average unemployment duration reaching a record 70 weeks in May, many applicants feel ignored and overlooked, leading to outbursts directed at those handling recruitment.

Jenni Tontti, Recruitment Director at aTalent, said her team has faced personal criticism from jobseekers who were not selected.

Kerto LVL factory. Photo: Metsä Group

Metsä Group will build a new research and development laboratory in Äänekoski to advance its veneer-based wood products. The facility, located next to the company’s upcoming Kerto LVL mill, is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

The investment is valued at approximately €6 million.

Hanken School of Economics Photo: Hanken's archive

Hanken School of Economics has once again solidified its position as a leading institution in business education, with its master's programme ranking 57th in the 2024 Financial Times Masters in Management (MiM) global ranking. This accomplishment places Hanken among the top three business schools in the Nordic region, standing alongside Stockholm School of Economics and Lund University School of Economics and Management.

Speaker of Parliament Jussi Halla-aho at the Parliament's Chancellery Commission press conference in the State Hall in Helsinki. Photo: Mikko Stig / Lehtikuva

Prosecutors have charged comedian Ilkka Kivi and Helsinki city councillor Aino Tuominen (Green) with defamation for comments about Parliamentary Speaker Jussi Halla-aho (Finns) on the social media platform X.

The charges relate to posts made in November 2023 in which both Kivi and Tuominen used the term "fascist" to describe Halla-aho’s politics. Their responses were directed at a Ukrainian journalist and written in English.

Finnish conscripts enjoy the sun on the stairs of the Helsinki Cathedral on Wednesday, 19th March, 2025. LEHTIKUVA

Sweden's Social Democratic Party has called for Finnish assistance in strengthening its conscription programme as the country seeks to significantly expand its defence capabilities over the coming years.

Former defence minister and party spokesperson Peter Hultqvist told Dagens Nyheter that Finland's Swedish-speaking officers could help train Swedish troops as Stockholm prepares to increase its annual conscript intake.

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The Finnish Government is circulating a proposal to end the payment of national pensions to recipients living outside Finland by the beginning of 2025. If adopted, this change will affect old-age and disability pensions paid to individuals residing in EU or EEA countries, Switzerland, and Great Britain. This proposal, however, will not impact survivors’ pensions, child increases, front-veterans’ supplements, or earnings-related pensions.

People at the City-Center shopping center in Helsinki. Photo: Elsa Paakkinen / Lehtikuva

Finland has moved up to 14th place in the World Competitiveness Ranking, regaining some ground after last year’s drop to 15th, according to figures published by the Research Institute of the Finnish Economy (Etla).

The ranking is compiled annually by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) and assesses 69 economies across more than 330 indicators. Finland's position now matches its standing from the pre-pandemic period.

Nordnet’s website displayed on a mobile phone screen in Espoo on 10 April 2025. According to Nordnet, the company’s services experienced unusually high traffic. LEHTIKUVA

Consumer confidence in Finland’s economy has remained in negative territory for three consecutive years, according to new data from Statistics Finland. The most significant factor behind the prolonged pessimism is global instability, followed by concerns about inflation and purchasing power.

Nearly 85 percent of respondents said that international developments, including wars, conflicts and trade tensions, had influenced their views on the future of the Finnish economy.

Photo: Sinem Kayacan

The first-ever Young Dance Artist Award has been bestowed upon Biret and Gáddjá Haarla Pieski, two talented Sámi dancers from Dalvaks, Utsjoki. This new award, valued at €8,000, aims to bolster the careers of young artists, particularly those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, by encouraging them to create unique art and advance in their professional journeys.

Funded by the Keele Foundation, which promotes active lifestyles and supports arts, science, and culture, the award is part of a broader initiative to assist young and domestic artists across various fields.

A doctor measures a patient's blood pressure at the Kallio health centre in Helsinki. Photo: Vilja Vehkaoja / Lehtikuva

A majority of Finns are dissatisfied with the country’s healthcare system, according to a recent survey by the Finnish Business and Policy Forum EVA.

Only 31 percent of respondents said the system functions well. Over half, 54 percent, rated it poorly. The findings show dissatisfaction is widespread across demographic groups, with the most negative responses coming from those in poor health.

Uber has released its first Lost & Found Index for Finland, detailing the most frequently and unusually forgotten items left behind in rides during 2024.

Phones and cameras were the most commonly misplaced objects, followed by bags, wallets, and keys. The report also listed several more unexpected items, including a boyfriend and a stuffed elf toy.

The data shows weekends between 10:00 PM and 3:00 AM had the highest rates of forgotten belongings. The peak was at 1:00 AM on Saturdays and Sundays.

Conceptual image of the winning proposal 'Cabriolet' from the Autotalo block architecture competition. Photo: ARCO Architecture Company

Helsinki's Autotalo block, located in the bustling Kamppi district, is set for a significant expansion following an architectural design contest. The winning entry, named "Cabriolet," was submitted by ARCO Architecture Company and stood out among diverse proposals from top design firms.

The competition aimed to enhance the functionality, efficiency, and vitality of the entire block.

Ice cream sales at Helsinki Market Square. Photo: Heikki Saukkomaa / Lehtikuva

A growing number of summer workers in Finland are being hired on zero-hour contracts, according to a new survey by the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK).

The results show that 8 percent of summer workers are on zero-hour contracts this year, up from 6 percent last summer.

Zero-hour contracts do not guarantee a set number of working hours. Instead, employees are called in as needed, often without regular or predictable schedules.

A young boy at home in Espoo. Bullying may have happened a long time ago, but the scars it leaves are long-lasting, especially when a young person feels they haven't received adequate support at the right time. LEHTIKUVA

A recent study has highlighted bullying as the most significant factor contributing to youth distress in Finland, according to both public opinion and professionals working with young people. The findings come just weeks ahead of UNESCO’s Anti-Bullying Day, set to be observed on November 7, 2024.

Conducted by Verian (formerly Kantar), the study underscores that bullying is the primary reason behind the growing mental health struggles among young people.

Young man having a coffee at home in Espoo. LEHTIKUVA

An analysis of Intrum's debt collection data reveals that the number of severely indebted individuals has increased across all age groups in Finland in 2023, with young adults experiencing the most significant rise in both the number and the volume of debts referred for collection.

Following a temporary surge in payment difficulties and over-indebtedness triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a decrease in severe debt issues in 2021.