Employment services successfully launched in Espoo and Kauniainen
Espoo took over the responsibility for providing public employment services in January. Services for jobseekers and employers in Espoo and Kauniainen have been launched successfully and without major disruptions.
At the beginning of the year, approximately 30,000 job-seeking clients were transferred from the Uusimaa TE Office to the City of Espoo’s Employment Services. The responsibility for the clients was transferred to Espoo’s employment specialists on 2 January, and personal customer service started as planned after Epiphany on 7 January. The year-end holidays and service interruptions in the state’s client information system caused delays in customer service in January, but the situation has now stabilised.
High demand for advisory services
Jobseekers made extensive use of low-threshold advisory services in January. Advisory services received more than 9,000 enquiries, including 3,000 in-person visits to service and information points, 2,500 phone calls, and 3,800 emails. Most questions were related to starting the job search process, unemployment benefits, e-services and job applications.
New service channel for employers
In January, advisory services for employers were also launched. Espoo, Helsinki and Vantaa now serve employers through a shared service channel, regardless of their home municipality. In January, employer advisory services received 1,038 enquiries, mainly concerning transition security and applying for and the payment of start-up grants and pay subsidies.
Employment services were transferred to municipalities – what will change?
Although employment services are still being established as part of basic municipal services, Espoo’s Director of Employment Services, Hilla-Maaria Sipilä, is already looking ahead to service development.
For jobseekers, Sipilä promises an increased focus on in-person services. This goal is supported by easily accessible service locations in Sello (Leppävaara) and Piispanportti (Matinkylä). In addition, general advice on job search is provided at the Iso Omena Service Centre.
“Our employment services aim to ensure that jobseekers have the necessary tools to find employment, such as opportunities to develop their skills, network with employers or start their own business.”
The objective is clear: to find employment for the residents of Espoo and Kauniainen. Achieving this goal requires employers.
“We are committed to helping employers in Espoo find suitable employees. We will actively contact employers to tell them about our services and to assess their recruitment needs.”
The City of Espoo is responsible for organising employment services for Espoo and Kauniainen. The goal is to help jobseekers find employment quickly and to provide employers with skilled employees. Employer services are part of the Business Espoo network.