Minister of Employment (Finland)

The Minister of Employment (Finnish: Työministeri, Swedish: Arbetsminister) is a member of the Finnish government responsible for overseeing employment policy and related matters. The portfolio encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Labour market policy: This includes developing and implementing strategies to promote employment, reduce unemployment, and improve the functioning of the labour market. This often involves initiatives related to vocational training, active labour market policies (ALMPs), and the regulation of working conditions.

• Employment services: The Minister is responsible for overseeing the provision of employment services to job seekers, including job placement assistance, training programs, and support for the unemployed. This typically involves working with the TE Offices (TE-toimistot), the public employment and economic development services.

• Social security related to employment: The Minister's responsibilities extend to aspects of social security that are directly linked to employment, such as unemployment benefits and other social insurance schemes related to work.

• Wage negotiations and collective bargaining: While not directly involved in the negotiations themselves, the Minister plays a role in setting the framework for collective bargaining and ensuring its smooth functioning.

• International cooperation on employment issues: The Minister represents Finland in international forums and collaborations focusing on employment and labour matters within the EU and globally.

The specific responsibilities and focus of the Minister can vary slightly depending on the government's overall policy priorities and the current socio-economic climate. The Minister is appointed by the Prime Minister and is a member of the Council of State (Valtioneuvosto). The office is typically located in the Ministry of Economic Affairs (Elinkeinoministeriö), although the specific ministry affiliation may be subject to government restructuring. The current holder of the office is publicly available through the official website of the Finnish government.