Finland unemployment rate rose to 10.2 percent in the second quarter of 2025. The increase marks a significant shift from the same period last year, when the jobless rate stood at 9.3 percent. According to fresh data from Statistics Finland, around 297,000 people were recorded as unemployed between April and June this year. That’s 27,000 more than in Q2 of 2024.
The labor force is feeling the pressure. Not only are more people out of work, but the number of those actually working also shrank. On average, just over 2.6 million people held jobs during the period. That’s 14,000 fewer than the year before. The data comes with a statistical margin of ±18,000, but the downward trend is clear.
Total hours worked also took a hit. There was a drop of just over two percent compared to the same period last year. This signals more than just job loss. It points to reduced overall productivity and possibly fewer full-time roles.
Finland unemployment rate affects female-dominated sectors the most
Statistics Finland noted that the decline in employment was not spread evenly. Women bore the brunt of it. Female employment dropped by 18,000 in the last year, while male employment rose slightly by 5,000. The imbalance is striking and highlights a gendered impact on the labor market.
The sector with the biggest hit was wholesale and retail trade. This area saw the most job losses and has been under pressure as consumer habits shift and economic conditions remain unstable. On the flip side, construction stood out as one of the few sectors showing real growth.
These changes paint a broader picture of where Finland’s labor market may be heading. While services and trade appear to be shrinking, certain manual industries like construction are holding steady or even expanding slightly. This might be tied to ongoing infrastructure work or housing projects still active despite wider economic strain.
For policymakers and analysts, the data brings fresh urgency. Addressing the rise in unemployment, especially among women and in vulnerable sectors, will require targeted strategies. As Finland adjusts to economic pressure both at home and abroad, the shifting labor trends could reshape how future policies are built.
