Rautavaara unable to switch employment services area

Rautavaara municipality in Finland has been unable to switch its employment services area from Kuopio to Ylä-Savo due to legal restrictions.

The municipality had planned to make the switch last year, citing dissatisfaction with Kuopio’s services and a belief that Ylä-Savo would better suit its needs. However, Ylä-Savo operates under an exception permit that does not allow new municipalities to join.

Rautavaara’s unemployment coordinator, Sinikka Karhunen, expressed disappointment, stating that Ylä-Savo’s smaller municipalities would have provided more equitable and efficient services. She highlighted difficulties in obtaining information and contacting Kuopio’s services, noting that Rautavaara has high unemployment rates.

The Ministry of Employment and the Economy clarified that the government has the authority to approve changes to employment services areas, but only if they meet legal requirements. Rautavaara had initially chosen Kuopio over Ylä-Savo, but now regrets that decision.

Source: Yle