Restructuring events
European Restructuring Monitor (ERM)
The restructuring events database contains factsheets with data on large-scale restructuring events reported in the principal national media and company websites in each EU Member State. This database was created in 2002.
The Wellbeing Services County of South Karelia has concluded cooperation negotiations, which have resulted in the dismissals of 317 employees. The cooperation negotiations comprised all employees in the wellbeing services county. Doctors are not affected by the dimissals. On top of direct dismissals, savings are sought through non-renewal of around 140 fixed-term contracts, while 81 vacant positions will not to be filled. In total, the staff of the Wellbeing Services County of South Karelia will shrink by 7% by the end of 2026.
During the cooperation negotiations, staff were welcome to put forward proposals for savings, which according to the employer representative has saved 80 jobs. Proposals from staff members have included stricter use of care supplies and and the discontinuation of some employee benefits. The wellbeing services county is also bringing some previously outsourced services back in-house to achieve savings.
Wellbeing services counties are regional government bodies established in 2023, responsible for health, rescue and social services. They are subject to a statutory requirement to eliminate budget deficits by the end of 2026, which has led to major cost-cutting measures in several regions, most recently in South Savo see Wellbeing Services County of South Savo 2025 - FI , Pirkanmaa see Wellbeing Services County of Pirkanmaa 2025 - FI and Lapland see Wellbeing Services County of Lapland 2025 - FI .
Prior to the announced layoffs, the Wellbeing Services County of South Karelia employed around 5,500 people.
Eurofound (2025), Wellbeing Services County of South Karelia , Internal restructuring in Finland, factsheet number 203799, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://apps.eurofound.europa.eu/restructuring-events/detail/203799.