The number of people working part-time jobs in the capital region has risen significantly, outpacing the rest of Finland and increasing the financial pressure on thousands of workers.
Based on the City of Helsinki's figures, one in five workers in the city is employed part-time, with the retail sector accounting for the largest share of these jobs.
The number of part-time employees in Helsinki has increased by over 50 percent, or about 20,000 people, from 2010 to 2023, according to Statistics Finland's labour force survey. In 2023, there were approximately 63,000 part-time employees in Helsinki.
Part-time work is particularly common among women, young people, and immigrants, according to Mikko Jakonen, a professor of social policy at the University of Eastern Finland.
Living costs in Uusimaa are higher than in other regions, creating a situation that Jakonen terms "working poverty".
"Part-time workers are most strongly linked to working poverty because their weekly working hours don't provide enough income for a decent living," he said.
According to Statistics Finland, 482,000 people were employed part-time in 2024.
Salaries as low as €1,300
One such worker is 36-year-old Aina Domin, a mother of two, who has been a part-time sales associate at the discount chain Tokmanni for 14 years.
"When I returned from parental leave, the pace of work felt hectic. I couldn’t handle a full work week, so I had to reduce my hours," she said.
Domin is a permanent employee and also works evenings and weekends. She currently has 25 hours per week in her contract, but the number of hours varies greatly depending on the season.
During quieter periods, shifts are fewer — Domin said her March salary could drop to as low as 1,300 euros, while in summer months, the pay could go over 2,000 euros.
"During busier periods, I have to make sure to save money and not spend it all. Nowadays, during slower months, my account is pretty much empty by payday," she told Yle.
Domin added that she has felt the rising cost of living, especially the price of groceries. She shares the grocery bill with her husband, spending around 500 euros a month. She tries to make savings by avoiding impulse buys, keeping an eye out for sales, and buying her kids' clothes on discount.
"I put my own desires on hold if I know, for instance, that my child needs a gift for a friend’s birthday," she said.
The All Points North podcast explored practical ways to stretch your budget and save money in the current economy. Listen to the episode via this embedded player, on Yle Areena, via Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
However, Domin noted that switching to full-time work would be a double-edged sword — easing finances but also leaving her with less time for her family.
She said every situation has its pros and cons, and focusing on financial struggles can make one overlook the positive side of working in retail.
"As a part-timer, I have more time to focus on my life outside of work. I can decide whether I want to exercise more, spend time with family and friends, and focus on the positive aspects of life," she explained.
Boosting full-time positions
According to Helsingin Sanomat, Minister of Employment Arto Satonen (NCP) aims to help part-time workers transition into full-time employment. Under the new guidelines, part-time workers should apply for at least four job opportunities per month.
Risto Rantala, head of Helsinki's Employment Services unit, stated that the government's programme aims to boost the number of full-time jobs. However, he emphasised that economic downturns make it challenging to create permanent full-time positions, with part-time work offering employers greater flexibility in such times.
"In tough economic times, people's need to work increases, and they accept whatever job opportunities are available," he said.
Since January, the responsibility for organising employment services has shifted to local municipalities.
Municipalities are now tasked with finding job opportunities for unemployed job seekers and assisting part-time workers in transitioning to full-time positions, according to Erja Lindberg, Development Manager at the Association of Finnish Cities and Municipalities (Kuntaliitto).
The challenge, however, lies in the fact that the number of available jobs has decreased, while the number of unemployed individuals remains high.
"Municipalities need to engage in dialogue with employers to uncover hidden job opportunities, tailor positions, and find suitable workers," Lindberg said.
Wages don't cover essential expenses
Antti Veirto, research director from the Service Union United (PAM), noted that economic concerns among part-time workers have grown due to cuts in social welfare. For many, wages are no longer sufficient to cover essential expenses, especially in the capital region.
"People often report that their ability to take care of their own well-being, enjoy hobbies, and travel is severely limited. While they prioritise their children, part-time work means constant compromises," Veirto said.
Last year, benefits agency Kela published findings based on its calculations that part-time and temporary work now offer less financial benefit, leaving unemployed individuals with smaller earnings.
The research, focusing on those receiving unemployment benefits, examined how recent changes to Finland's social security system have weakened incentives to accept such jobs.
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