Kauppalehti reports that an increasing number of job seekers are exploring opportunities outside their own field. This is according to the latest survey from Finland's largest unemployment fund, YTK, which gathered responses from more than 7,000 people.
The survey found that 59 percent of job seekers are looking for opportunities outside their own industry. Workers in retail, transportation and warehousing, as well as tourism and hospitality are most likely to seek employment beyond their current field.
YTK noted that these sectors often feature low wages, challenging working conditions, and job insecurity. Workers in these fields may also have lower education levels, offering them more flexibility to transition to other sectors.
Those earning below 20,000 euros annually are particularly likely to seek new kinds of jobs.
According to KL, the trend of seeking work outside one's own field reflects the increasingly difficult employment situation.
By the end of March, Finland had 320,400 unemployed jobseekers, 34,200 more than a year earlier, according to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment (TEM). There were 9,400 fewer new job openings compared to the previous year. According to Statistics Finland, the unemployment rate in Finland rose to 9.4 percent in March.
"The result reflects the poor economic situation, but on the other hand, it's good that we learn to look at job opportunities more broadly. Certain professions are disappearing while new ones emerge. It's also positive that people are broadening their job search and matching their skills and expectations with new opportunities," Auli Hänninen, CEO of YTK said.
According to the survey, workers in ICT, finance, and communications are least likely to seek work outside their sector, due to stable jobs, good wages, and strong career opportunities. YTK suggests these fields offer competitive conditions that keep employees within their industry.
Delayed housing repairs
Helsingin Sanomat reports that housing companies across Finland are struggling with a growing repair backlog — a mounting issue that experts warn could have costly consequences if neglected.
Riku Pönkänen, head of the Pirkanmaa property managers' association, told HS that the problem is driven by a lack of repair culture and reluctance to invest in upkeep.
"If you have to spend 10,000–20,000 euros on building repairs, it feels like a lot. But spending the same amount on a car feels normal," said Pönkänen, noting that timely maintenance is always more cost-effective than repairing after damage.
Repair debt refers to the accumulation of necessary maintenance and renovation needs in a housing company's buildings and properties over time. This backlog grows when essential repairs aren't carried out promptly.
According to HS, a recent Finnish Real Estate Management Federation's barometer found 38 percent of property managers think housing companies don't invest enough on needed repairs. Another survey by YouGov commissioned by insurance firm If revealed that 28 percent of housing shareholders reported postponed renovations over the past three years.
A major factor reshaping housing companies is the revised EU energy performance directive, which took effect a year ago. The directive will impact energy certificate laws and likely alter construction and renovation regulations for energy efficiency. Finland needs to comply with these changes by the end of May 2026.
HS reported that roughly 45 percent of Finland's buildings were constructed between the 1960s and 1980s, meaning many are reaching the age when significant renovations are due.
Sunny Mother's Day?
Although Finland is still experiencing below-average temperatures at the moment, the weather is set to turn sunnier and more spring-like toward the weekend, reports Iltalehti.
"The 10-day forecast shows a gradual warming trend in the big picture. In the next few days, however, a cold northerly flow will still prevail. Before the weekend, there will be widespread cloud cover during the daytime, but the sun will break through in places," meteorologist Joonas Koskela said on Foreca’s weather blog.
On Friday, light precipitation in the form of rain, sleet, or snow is expected, with showers becoming more frequent, especially in central Finland. However, temperatures in Southern and Western Finland will rise above 10 degrees Celsius over the weekend.
"On Sunday, Mother’s Day, it will be even a bit warmer. If the sun manages to shine, peak temperatures could reach 13–14 degrees Celsius in places," predicts Koskela.
Next week, the movements of high-pressure systems will determine how warm it gets. Monday and Tuesday look sunny across the country, though by Tuesday, the north may see a few showers.
According to Koskela, there is still considerable uncertainty in the forecast for the end of next week, but temperatures could potentially reach 20 degrees Celsius in the south.
Users with an Yle ID can leave comments on our news stories. You can create your Yle ID via this link. Our guidelines on commenting and moderation are explained here.
