According to the results of a current Open Unemployment Fund A-kassa member survey and A-kassa members’ answers in the unemployment barometer by the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions, obstacles to finding employment are mainly related to issues that the government’s changes to unemployment security are not capable of addressing. The responses specifically highlighted age, health, shortage of suitable jobs and lack of competence.
The survey, conducted by A-kassa in the beginning of August 2025, indicated that most members feel that the government amendments to employment security have not had a positive impact on finding employment – on the contrary, many say the amendments have worsened their position on the job market. For instance, the removal of the protected part has made part-time work less worthwhile financially, which has reduced willingness to accept short-term employment.
Age biggest obstacle to finding employment
A-kassa members’ results in the unemployment barometer by the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions also support the perception that age is a significant obstacle to finding employment. In particular, respondents aged 60+ find that age is clearly the most impactful hurdle in finding employment. Experiencing age discrimination is common: many respondents feel that they become “invisible in their job search,” while younger age groups highlight the uncertainty regarding the number of jobs available and salary levels that are too low.
Health and work ability are another very common theme in A-kassa’s member survey responses. This theme is also highlighted in the unemployment barometer by the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions. Many respondents mentioned health-related limitations, illnesses or lack of physical resilience as an obstacle to finding work or performing duties. Long-term illnesses, musculoskeletal disorders, incapacity for work or activity limitations prevent some of the respondents from working, at least full-time. “I have some health issues, and continuous heavy labour is out of the question. – A-kassa member.” In such cases, financial incentives alone do not remove the obstacle as the issue lies in their ability to work.
Lack of suitable jobs and lack of competence make finding employment more difficult
Many respondents stated that their locality or industry simply does not provide enough employment opportunities. In heavy industries and construction in particular, economic slowdowns and scarcity of projects are detrimental to finding employment. Issues with job location were also highlighted by some respondents who lamented how challenging it is to commute to a job without a car or public transport.
The answers also emphasised education and competence. For many, the lack of competence forms a genuine obstacle to finding employment. Several respondents felt that their education or competence does not meet the requirements of today’s job market, pointing out outdated skills or the need to learn new systems. The responses indicate that some have already sought out new training opportunities, but retraining takes time and does not guarantee quick employment.
Salary and incentives also gave cause for concern. According to some, salaries for the work available is not enough to get by. Others mentioned the incentive traps: the combination of unemployment security and a low salary is not enticing if you are left with very little after all your expenses. “Intermittent work with poor salary – I’d have hardly anything left after expenses. – A-kassa member”
Financial security concern for many
Financial uncertainty was on full display in both surveys. The results indicate that many suffer from long-term unemployment, which comes with serious financial pressure. Almost all respondents in the unemployment barometer by the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions felt that even a 150-euro reduction in monthly income significantly complicates everyday life. Many stated that with their current income level, they cannot afford their children’s hobbies, holiday trips or even unexpected expenses, such as replacing broken down domestic appliances. Debt issues are also prevalent: 18% of those who took the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions’ survey stated that they have instant loans and debt in enforcement. 68% of those who took the A-kassa survey estimated that the government cuts reduced their income by more than 300 euros a month.
The respondents felt that support provided by the employment authorities is often lacking. In the survey by the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions, only 19% said they had received work or training from an employment authority in the past year. Only 42% had met face-to-face with an authority. And while members are active in their job search efforts, only a few are certain they will find new employment. The situation is particularly dire for older members: their unemployment becomes prolonged and invitations to job interviews are rare. As for the younger respondents, they struggle with the mental side and find unemployment more taxing.
Mental load increases
Both the barometer by the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions and the A-kassa survey highlight the taxing mental impact brought on by unemployment. Almost two out of three respondents have felt lonely and depressed due to unemployment. Younger members were more inclined to report feelings of failure and insecurity, whereas the older contingent highlighted their frustration regarding age discrimination and the burden of prolonged unemployment.
Clearing hurdles requires real solutions
Survey results indicate that unemployment is both a lengthy and in many ways taxing experience for several A-kassa members. Based on the results, it can be concluded that finding employment is not simply an outcome of choices made by an individual. Instead, many factors together form an obstacle which keeps the members unemployed.
– The results clearly show that the biggest challenges facing the unemployed are related to issues which cannot be solved by merely cutting benefits. Age, health and lack of up-to-date competence are real barriers, as is local lack of jobs. It is important that these issues are addressed by means of training, employment services and work against discrimination, says A-kassa’s Director of Administration Kaisa Tikka.