Finland’s state child protection units begin restructuring talks with up to 35 layoffs

Finland’s state child protection agency will launch restructuring negotiations at the end of March, potentially leading to up to 35 redundancies and 35 temporary layoffs, Yle reports.

The negotiations, expected to last at least six weeks, will affect all agency staff except employees at Hämeenlinna Prison’s family unit. The agency currently employs around 450 people across five residential schools and the prison unit.

Director Kaisa Tammi stated that while the goal is to minimise staffing impacts, the agency’s financial situation has deteriorated over years, requiring cost cuts to maintain legally mandated services. Rising rents—projected to nearly double between 2021 and 2028—and increased personnel expenses are key factors behind the restructuring.

Savings may be sought in areas such as agency vehicles, equipment, travel costs, and outsourced services, Tammi added.