Relocation strategy

As set out in the Government Programme of Prime Minister Vanhanen’s second government, further measures will be adopted to transfer government jobs to the regions more evenly throughout the country. Financial assistance will be granted for arrangements during a transition period. Relocation activities are being carried out by exploiting and building on existing strengths and know-how in each region.

All government functions are included in the relocation assessments. Support services will also be transferred to the regions and brought together in units specializing in specific types of services. This is being done in order to boost efficiency in core functions and to streamline administrative structures.

As presented in the Government evening session statement on 26 September 2007, an overall plan on relocation will be drawn up.

Relocation brochure 6/2009

Quantitative target and current situation

The target is to relocate between 4,000 and 8,000 jobs outside the Helsinki metropolitan area, with the final decisions being taken by 2011 and the relocation taking effect by 2015. At present, job placements accounting for roughly 3,200 person years have been transferred from metropolitan Helsinki to different regions in the country within the scope of relocation measures.

In addition, placements for around 1,000 person years have been transferred across the regions. This means the relocation measures currently account for 4,200 person years. Moreover, in spring 2008, the ministries reported on a further relocation potential of 1,000 person years, and there is additional potential that will be realized at a later date. 

Executive responsibility

The Ministry of Finance is in charge of the groundwork for relocation. The Prime Minister’s Office has appointed a coordination group for relocation measures and a cooperation and follow-up group for human resources policy in relocation for the duration of this government term to make preparations for resettlement matters. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance is the chair of the working groups and the vice chair, general secretary and secretary are staff members of the Ministry of Finance.  

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