Finland Employment Statistics
Two Collection Methods Find Salaries Up and Unemployment Down
Finland produces employment data through both the Labour Force Survey and Employment Service Statistics. The 5 year trend is higher wages and lower unemployment.
According to the Labour Force Survey of Statistics Finland, between 2004 and April 2008, Finland's unemployment rate dropped from 8.8% to 6.2%, with 162,000 people unemployed. The country's rate of employment grew slowest in its southern and western regions, though decreases were also seen in the east and north. The Province of Southern Finland has the country's lowest unemployment rate at 4.7%, while the Province of Lapland is highest at 11.1%.
Not only are more people working in Finland, but they are also earning more money. Between February and April 2008, salaries have increased 9% over the same period last year. This growth is higher than the 6% gain during the corresponding period between 2006 and 2007. The largest wage increases were found in the construction sector (15.2%). Other areas with above average growth include private health care and social services (up to 12.6%), service sector (11.7%) and the financial sector (11.5%). Toward the low end of the scale, private training service salaries increased by approximately 5%.
Finland's employment statistics are gathered by two different methods. Statistics Finland obtains data through the use of the sample-based Labour Force Survey, collected each week of each month. The Ministry of Employment and the Economy use the register-based Employment Service Statistics, which report on employment as of the last weekday of each month. The sample-based approach allows for random variation of approximately +/- 0.5%.
The Finnish government officially uses the Employment Service Statistics because they are based on legislation and administrative regulations. The Labour Force Survey follows recommendations set forth by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), practices required by Eurostat, the Statistical Office of the European Communities.
References
“Employment and unemployment in April 2008.” Statistics Finland. May 20, 2008.
“Employment Levels Grow; Salary Expenses Increase.” YLEISRADIO. June 12, 2008.
