Lappeenranta school assistant faces job uncertainty amid proposed wage subsidy cuts in Finland

Sari Karhu, a school assistant in Lappeenranta, Finland, moves between desks in a classroom of 24 students. When a third-grader raises their hand for help with multiplication, Karhu promptly assists. “I find my work very necessary. There isn’t enough time for the teacher to guide everyone,” she explains.

Currently employed through wage subsidy support, Karhu’s position is at risk as proposed government reforms could significantly reduce the number of wage subsidy workers in schools and daycare centers starting next year. The government suggests that wage subsidies should only be granted in exceptional circumstances.

The proposal stems from the argument that the wage subsidy work in municipalities does not significantly aid the long-term employment of the jobless. Statistics from the Ministry of Economic Affairs show that around 60% of individuals who worked with wage subsidies in municipalities remain unemployed afterward, while only 35% of those in businesses do.

Karhu believes the government’s plans are detrimental. “It sounds terrifying. For me, returning to work, even if it’s just for half a year, was a huge deal,” says the 61-year-old. Annually, about 200-250 million euros is allocated to wage subsidies, but this funding faces cuts of nearly 40 million euros.

Lappeenranta employs around 80 wage-subsidized workers each month, with schools and daycare centers hosting the majority. The reduction of these roles poses challenges, as school assistants provide essential support, oversight, and medical assistance for students.

Rehtori Santtu Peltomaa from Lauritsala School notes that the declining number of school assistants increases the teachers’ workload. Currently, stricter criteria for wage subsidies have left the local school without any such workers, highlighting a growing need for adult support in classrooms.