What’s new in the Ylivieska, Kalajoki, Nivala employment area?
- News
On 1 January 2025, employment and business services were transferred from central government to employment areas formed by municipalities. The reform created 45 employment areas in Finland. In this news item, we describe how the reform has affected the Ylivieska, Kalajoki, Nivala employment area.
Work in the new employment area has got off to a fast and efficient start. Launched at the turn of the year, the activities have involved challenges and successes alike, but the beginning has been promising as a whole.
- We were able to launch customer services quickly in the six municipalities, and local services were already up and running in all the municipalities by the end of January, says Mervi Mäkihonka, Employment Area Director.
Although there were some technical challenges, it was nothing that couldn’t be overcome. The reform combined old and new practices and involved taking over completely new tasks, such as procurement, payments and information, advice and guidance services.
- We have been able to successfully launch even the new functions, and a key component has been our competent and flexible personnel, Mäkihonka says.
Four out of six municipalities in the employment area participated in the previous local government trial on employment, which made it easier to launch operations in the new area. Mäkihonka says that experiences of the local government trial were positive.
Customers have been understanding about the reform
Customers have been satisfied with being able to access services locally. The employer team has also started to actively reach out to companies together with municipal business operators and educational institutions.
- I also want to give thanks to our customers for being so understanding about the change. We have also received positive feedback from employers and stakeholders, Mäkihonka says.
The reform has been extensive. Challenges have included linkages between pay subsidy and start-up grants, the incomplete nature of activities and the reconciliation of work cultures. Cooperation between municipalities has gone smoothly, and the future is being planned together.
- We still have a lot to do, but we are moving forward one step at a time, Mäkihonka says.
Regional pages and Job Market Finland support communications
Regional pages were introduced at the beginning of the year alongside other communication channels. Municipalities provided information for the pages already during the preparation stage, and now the pages are used to publish information on services, training, coaching and current topics.
- We are starting to slowly see how the regional pages are used. We have encouraged different regional actors to use the sections for current topics and events on the regional pages, says Communications Specialist Petra Silvennoinen.
This interview is a part of the What’s new in the employment area? series. In the interviews, experts from different employment areas describe how the employment service reform has progressed in municipalities.