Study: Long-term approach is needed in labour market reforms

11.05.2012

A successfully implemented reform in the labour market is broad-based, lasting, consistent and believable. Finland has lessons to learn from labour market reforms carried out in other countries and the experiences of these countries. Finland, on the other hand, has implemented successful reforms that serve as good examples for others. One such reform is the transition security.

These are among the conclusions drawn in an international research report comparing labour market reforms in Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Germany.

According to the study, the successful reforms deal with unemployment security, public employment service, labour policy measures and targeting of such measures to various groups in a consistent manner. Successful reforms are in line with the economic policy and are based on researched information.

In Sweden and Denmark, the general employment rate is high and the labour market is functional. Sweden has succeeded in involving aged people in working life, whereas Denmark has been successful with young people. Germany has made progress in every sector of labour policy thanks to consistent reforms that have extended over terms of government.

• Ministry of Employment and the Economy
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