More than 90 people look set to lose their jobs at the Finnish Food Authority (Ruokavirasto) as part of savings plans. The agency estimates that it will have to terminate the employment of 93 people. Dismissals are planned to be carried out by Sept.
30 and no later than Nov. 30, 2024. This is better than an initial assessment in April that up to 143 jobs were at risk.
The Finnish Food Authority said it intends to suspend all of its personnel, except for those performing meat inspection tasks, for two weeks at some point later this year. The move will also mean changes in job responsibilities. Leaner operations Leena Räsänen, CEO of the Finnish Food Authority, said the aim is to stabilize the agency’s finances.
“Between 2024 and 2028, the food agency’s expenditure is higher than the resources of the state budget and income funding. Despite past savings and identified saving opportunities, the agency’s economic situation in the coming years will be weak, and achieving a balance requires additional savings for the agency’s operating costs. Savings measures will inevitably affect the food agency’s ability in various functions.
As resources decrease, we cannot completely avoid decreasing service levels.” In addition to dismissals and redundancies, the authority seeks other savings by looking at investments, travel expenses, and purchasing services. The Finnish Food Authority plans to reduce and streamline its tasks, operations and functions in all operating units.
