Keusote proposes not replacing up to 400 retiring workers

Up to 400 employees retiring from the Central Uusimaa wellbeing services county, known as Keusote, may not be replaced over the next three years under a proposed savings plan, Yle reports.

Keusote is seeking about 81 million euros in savings over the next three years. Its preliminary plan would also reduce purchased services, cut staff and introduce more temporary layoffs. The county plans to concentrate services in five social and healthcare centres and close several smaller service locations.

Social services, including social welfare offices, youth stations, home help for families with children and advice services, would move into the larger centres alongside healthcare services.

Keusote has already dismissed about 400 employees and is conducting its fifth round of cooperation negotiations. Wellbeing services county director Raija Kontio said staffing had been reduced so much that critical limits were beginning to approach. Leaving retiring employees’ positions unfilled could help avoid large-scale redundancies, she said.

The county’s productivity and financial programme covers 2027 to 2031. Its council is due to decide on additional savings and changes to the service network at the end of October. The Ministry of Finance is expected to decide in November whether to grant Keusote more time to cover its deficit. Without an extension, the county would face an assessment procedure next spring.