Employment to pick up by the end of 2025

The average employment rate of the working-age population (15–64-year-olds) is forecast to reach 71.4 per cent in 2025. The rate is projected to rise to 71.7 per cent next year, with growth accelerating to 72.3 per cent in 2027.

The unemployment rate is projected to average 9.5 per cent this year, falling to 9.3 per cent next year and to 8.8 per cent in 2027. The decline in unemployment will be slowed primarily by growth in the labour force.

Labour force growth will be driven especially by immigration and increased employment among older workers. Although immigration is expected to decrease compared to recent years, labour force participation among those already settled in Finland remains high and is forecast to increase throughout the period. Labour force participation refers to the share of the working-age population who are either employed or unemployed.

The recovery in employment will begin in industry, driven by exports and investment. Employment is already increasing in logistics. Employment in expert services is expected to continue growing, except in architecture and engineering, where job prospects depend on stronger growth in the construction sector anticipated in 2027.

Cultural and leisure services form the other key area of employment growth, with strong increases in employment expected to continue throughout the forecast period.

Difficulties in public finances will slow the recovery of employment in publicly funded services.

More information

Labour market forecast: Employment to pick up by the end of 2025 (tem.fi)