Työvoimaviranomaiset

Työvoimaviranomaiset in Finland are public sector entities responsible for administering employment services and unemployment benefits. Their primary role is to support job seekers in finding employment and to provide financial assistance to those who are unemployed. These authorities operate at both national and local levels, ensuring a comprehensive system of support for the labor market.

The national level is represented by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment and the Finnish Centre for Pensions, which set the policy and oversee the overall framework. However, the day-to-day operations are managed by the Employment and Economic Development Offices (TE-toimistot) and the Social Insurance Institution of Finland (Kela). TE-toimistot are responsible for job placement services, career counseling, and labor market training. They work directly with employers to understand labor needs and with job seekers to match them with suitable opportunities.

Kela, on the other hand, handles the payment of unemployment benefits, including unemployment allowances and labor market support. Both TE-toimistot and Kela collaborate closely to ensure that individuals receiving unemployment benefits are actively seeking work and participating in employment-related services. The system aims to facilitate a smooth transition back into the workforce and to mitigate the economic impact of unemployment.