In Finland, Pohde wellbeing services county to lay off more than 300 employees
In Finland, the Pohde wellbeing services county in North Ostrobothnia has concluded change negotiations and announced that it will lay off more than 300 employees. Members of Parliament from the Oulu electoral district called the decision regrettable, but differ in their assessment of its reasons and possible ways to save money, YLE News reports.
Opposition criticizes state funding
Left Alliance MP Hanna Sarkkinen said the layoffs demonstrate the difficult situation faced by Pohde and other wellbeing services counties. In her view, the government should have given Pohde another two years to meet its obligation to cover the deficit.
Social Democratic Party representative Pia Hiltunen also linked the situation to the government's policy on social and healthcare services. She referred to an ombudsman's report considered by Parliament, which stated that wellbeing services counties lack sufficient resources. Hiltunen also criticized the fact that, according to her, staff cuts affect work with clients and patients.
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Centre Party MP Olga Oinas-Panuma said she does not blame the Pohde region itself for the situation. According to her, the increase in state funding does not even cover wage rises. She called on the state to provide more time to cover the deficit.
Proposal to save on management
National Coalition Party MP Juha Hänninen also called the layoffs regrettable. At the same time, he believes Pohde can improve management efficiency and simplify organizational structures. According to him, the government has increased funding for social and healthcare services by approximately €4 billion compared with the previous period.
Hänninen proposed seeking savings in administration, premises-related decisions and IT systems rather than in direct work with patients. YLE News also asked MPs from the Finns Party in the Oulu electoral district for comment, but received no response.
