Helsinki GSE: The growth in the number of applications for unemployment benefit paid by Kela has been greatest in the Uusimaa region

The Helsinki Graduate School of Economics (Helsinki GSE) has established a situation room to support ministries and other public authorities in economic policy-making during the coronavirus crisis.

The Situation Room will publish its fourth report on Thursday 7 May 2020 at 8 am, and a webinar on the topic will also start at this same time in the Zoom app (link below). This fourth report focuses on how the coronavirus crisis is reflected in the use of Kela benefits. These benefits are key for people facing the greatest difficulties, as their social security remains at the level of basic social security.

The coronavirus crisis has been reflected in the number of applications for unemployment benefit and housing allowance but not in the number of sickness allowance applications. Growth has been greatest in the Uusimaa region and among young women. This is at least partly explained by the fact that, from an occupational perspective, the crisis has affected the service sector first.

Link to the webinar on Thursday 7 May at 8 am: https://aalto.zoom.us/j/61083450290

The weekly webinars will be held in Finnish; they are open to everyone and free of charge.

More information on the Situation Room and its latest public reports can be found on the Helsinki GSE website. Opens in new window

Additional information:
Otto Toivanen
Aalto University, Professor
Helsinki GSE, Academic Director
+358 50 353 7651
otto.toivanen@aalto.fi

Helsinki Graduate School of Economics is a joint teaching and research unit in economics of Aalto University, University of Helsinki and Hanken School of Economics.