Preparation of an action plan to prevent and combat exploitation begins

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment will begin the preparation of an action plan for preventing and combating exploitation. The aim is to tackle abuses in the labour market more effectively. The action plan, which is based on the objectives of the Government Programme, will be prepared by the end of 2023.

In recent years, there have been many cases or suspected cases of work-related exploitation in Finland. New forms of work also create new forms of labour exploitation. The Government aims to intervene in the exploitation of foreign labour through various measures e.g. in the countries of origin and in the residence permit procedure, as well as in the supervision and inter-authority cooperation after the residence permit holder has entered Finland. In addition, the Government will make punishments more severe in accordance with the Government Programme, allocate occupational safety and health resources more efficiently and improve the opportunities for cooperation between the authorities.

A steering group appointed by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment will coordinate the measures to prevent and combat work-related exploitation throughout the government term. The action plan will be prepared this year by a working group guided by the steering group. The steering group will also monitor the implementation of the action plan. Both groups consist of representatives of ministries and engage in extensive stakeholder cooperation.

More information:
Press release by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment 13 September 2023: Labour exploitation needs to be eradicated - action plan in preparation 
Appointment decision: Steering group on the prevention of labour exploitation 
Appointment decision: Working group on the action plan for prevention of labour exploitation