The Tampere Region Employment Area had a strong start – the targets for 2025 were achieved excellently

Operations of the employment area were launched in a controlled manner despite the challenging employment situation. The financial performance also exceeded expectations, enabling a total refund of 14.7 million euros to the member municipalities. The joint employment strategy launched in 2025 will guide the employment area’s work in the coming years. The shift toward a demand‑driven operating culture is still ongoing.

Implementation of the annual plan was highly successful

The annual plan of the Employment Committee is a key element of the city’s strategic management. Of the targets set for 2025, 16 out of 17 were implemented as planned, and only one progressed partially. The deviation concerned the development of cooperation structures with the wellbeing services county, although the subject matter advanced significantly.

The actions related to the implementation of the TE2024 reform were carried out as planned, and the transfer of customers, services and personnel to the new employment area proceeded in a controlled manner.

During 2025, the region’s Employment Strategy 2035 was also completed, providing a basis for defining the near‑term objectives for the employment area. The ongoing transition towards a demand‑driven operating culture remains a key development priority. The challenging employment situation requires close cooperation with employers, partners and stakeholders.

Financial performance exceeded expectations – 14.7 million euros to be refunded to municipalities

The financial performance of 2025 was in line with the plan and produced a zero result. However, both revenues and expenditures showed positive deviations:

• Expenditures were lower than anticipated, enabling a refund of 14.7 million euros to the municipalities
  • Share of the City of Tampere: 8.8 million euros
  • Share of other member municipalities in total: 5.9 million euros

The main reasons for the lower expenditures were the delayed launch of purchased services, recruitment restrictions resulting from cooperation negotiations, and organisational changes. In addition, state compensation for service debt was recognized in revenue more than expected. The refunds to municipalities will be confirmed as part of the City of Tampere’s financial statement process.

– In a reform of this scale, the first year is both important and challenging. It is great that we managed to launch operations in a controlled manner and achieve good financial outcome. Strong regional cooperation and a committed staff have been key to this success,” says Johanna Kirjavainen, Chair of the Employment Division of the Committee for Vitality and Competence and Deputy Major.

A strong first year creates a solid base developing the employment area

The annual plan was monitored three times during the year, and reporting will continue in the future in April, August and in connection with the annual financial statements. The first year of operation has created a solid base for further developing the employment area, particularly in employment services, employer cooperation, anticipation of skills needs, service development and data‑driven management.

– 2025 was a year of major structural changes in a challenging employment situation, as TE services were transferred from the state to municipalities. We achieved the targets set for us, with special thanks to our staff. We now look ahead, guided by our new strategy,” says Regina Saari, Director of Employment and Growth.

Employment area started 1 January 2025

The Tampere Region Employment Area started its operations at the beginning of 2025. It consists of 16 municipalities: Akaa, Juupajoki, Kangasala, Kuhmoinen, Lempäälä, Nokia, Orivesi, Pirkkala, Pälkäne, Ruovesi, Tampere, Urjala, Valkeakoski, Vesilahti, Virrat and Ylöjärvi. Tampere serves as the responsible municipality, organising and providing employment services and integration tasks in accordance with the cooperation agreement.

Operations are organised as part of the City of Tampere’s Employment and Growth Services. The finances are monitored as a separate balance unit, with net costs covered by municipalities’ payment share.

Update on 19 March 2026 at 7:53: Sentence added: “The refunds to municipalities will be confirmed as part of the City of Tampere’s financial statement process.