Central Uusimaa welfare region to lay off up to 35 employees following negotiations

The Central Uusimaa Social and Health Services (Keusote) will proceed with layoffs affecting up to 35 employees, following cooperative negotiations aimed at achieving €3.1 million in annual savings, reports Finnish public broadcaster Yle.

Originally, the welfare region had proposed laying off 65 employees and reducing the working hours of 20 others. After negotiations, the number of layoffs was cut to 35, while only two employees will face reduced working hours. In total, the changes will impact 155 staff members, including the elimination of unfilled positions.

The measures will be implemented in phases throughout 2026 as part of a broader productivity and cost-efficiency program. Keusote, which reported an €8.3 million surplus in 2025, still faces a cumulative deficit of approximately €125 million from previous years. The regional council has set a goal to balance the budget by the end of 2029 to ensure the continuity of services.

The cooperative negotiations began in March 2026, with the approved solution expected to yield the targeted annual savings.