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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.