Pohde plans social work cuts ahead of unapproved welfare law

North Ostrobothnia’s wellbeing services county, known as Pohde, is planning further social work cuts ahead of a proposed law that has not yet been approved. Yle reports that the changes are being anticipated in budget planning across many wellbeing services counties, even though the funding reductions are not certain.

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health says the proposed reform would reduce staffing in social work in many parts of Finland. State funding is set to fall by 55 million euros in 2027 and 100 million euros in 2028. A significant share of the savings would come from staff reductions, ministry director Eveliina Pöyhönen said.

A social worker at Pohde fears that staff will be unable to respond adequately to every client in crisis. “The work may become solely about dealing with crises instead of working systematically to bring lasting change for families,” the worker said. They also warned that employees are already struggling to manage their existing caseloads.

Yle is withholding the worker’s name because they fear possible consequences at work for speaking to the media. Their identity is known to the broadcaster.

Pohde held extensive job negotiations in the autumn, affecting the duties of dozens of employees in family and social services. New negotiations began in early November and cover rehabilitative work activities, social rehabilitation, and day and work activities, which would be among the first services affected by the proposed law.

Researcher Tarja Kemppainen of the University of Lapland and the professional association Talentia say Pohde has moved ahead of many other wellbeing services counties with its savings plans. The latest proposals will be considered by Pohde’s regional council on November 16.

The proposed savings under the family and social services division amount to about 4.2 million euros in 2027, division director Leena Mämmi-Laukka said. She said cuts were needed because Pohde’s funding was not growing in line with its expenses and it also had a deficit to cover. If the law does not come into force, some proposals will be reviewed, she said.

One significant change under the proposed law would affect social services for children and families. Some families currently receiving child protection services would move to more limited preventive social work. The law sets a maximum caseload of 30 clients per worker in child protection, but the article’s available text does not specify a corresponding limit for preventive services.

Regardless of the proposed changes, wellbeing services counties remain responsible for arranging services according to clients’ needs.