Press releases

Finland's development into a vibrant and modern service society is slowed down by an increasing shortage of skilled labour. In order to ensure the availability of skilled labour, the next government should tackle these three topics: Improving of low incentives to work, increasing of labour immigration and improving of the quality and quantity of education and training.

The Finnish pharmacy system must be reformed to serve the needs of citizens more comprehensively – without compromising the high level of safety. More than 60 per cent of voters welcome the liberalisation of pharmacy-related legislation, according to a survey commissioned by the Finnish Commerce Federation.

Terms of employment of employees and supervisors in the commerce sector have now been agreed for a two-year period. The agreement increases wages by EUR 105 from 1 June 2023 and by EUR 60 from 1 June 2024. In addition, a one-time sum of EUR 400 will be paid to commerce sector employees in connection with the payment of wages in April, of which EUR 200 can also be paid in connection with the payment of wages in September 2023. The agreement is in line with the so-called general policy.   

According to a recent forecast by the Finnish Commerce Federation, the volume of retail trade sales* will shrink by roughly two per cent this year, and the increase in turnover in euros will be driven solely by rising costs and prices. Cost competition in the sector is accelerating, and the number of employed people is decreasing. However, when there is also a shortage of skilled labour, fierce cost competition does not promote the development of the sector in the international competitive environment. From the point of view of the growth of the entire national economy, including commerce, it is important for the future government to secure the availability of skilled labour.

Minister of Employment Tuula Haatainen postponed the first wave of strikes in trade logistics at the proposal of the National Conciliator Anu Sajavaara. The warehouse strikes announced for 6–9 February will be postponed by two weeks. The reason for the postponement of strikes is to secure the security of supply and the food supply of the most vulnerable citizens.