Year: 2024

The Finnish Commerce Federation encourages the government to implement structural reforms in the financial decisions of the budget framework session. According to calculations commissioned by the Federation, the structural reform of the retail distribution system of pharmaceuticals would bring the combined annual savings of the state and consumers up to EUR 250 million. Due to the increasing pharmaceutical reimbursement costs of the ageing population, there should be no further delays with the reform.

All employees’ personal monthly salaries will be increased by EUR 60 and hourly salaries by EUR 0.38 as of 1 June 2024.

The turnover of retail trade decreased by more than three per cent last year. This year, sales are forecast to decrease by about one per cent. Towards the end of the year, improving purchasing power will start to drive up retail business. Driven by international competition, the need to improve productivity and efficiency will continue to be reflected in employment in the commerce sector. It is important that the government considers consumers' purchasing power in its decisions.

The Green Deal agreement between the Ministry of the Environment and the Finnish Commerce Federation has reduced the use of plastic carrier bags and thin plastic bags quite rapidly. A recent estimate shows, however, that there has been some growth in the use of plastic carrier bags since 2020 and further actions are needed to reach the reduction targets by 2025.