Unemployment Security Forum

Kela has recognised a need for a forum-based approach to operational development. Unemployment security, i.e., the benefit schemes which provide income security in unemployment, has been identified as a topic with current relevance.

Through collaboration with its partner organisations, Kela seeks to develop its operations and to discuss a range of relevant questions concerning unemployment security. The Unemployment Security Forum is intended to create a broader basis for collaboration and information sharing and to support the operations and development efforts of the participating organisations.

Current term of office: 1 January 2024-31 December 2026

Chairperson
Pasi Pajula, Head of the Centre of Expertise in Income Security Benefits, Kela

Deputy chairperson and member
Kirsi Metsävainio, Benefits Manager, Kela

Secretary
Antti Ristimäki, Legal Councel, Kela

Members:

• Member: Marjaana Maisonlahti, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health
  Deputy member: Kirsi Päivänsalo, Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health
   
• Member: Timo Meling, Senior Adviser, Legal Affairs, Ministry of Employment and the Economy
  Deputy member: Tuomas Kallio, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Employment and the Economy
   
• Member: Aki Villman, Managing Director, Federation of Unemployment Funds in Finland (TYJ)
  Deputy member:  Outi Mäki, Fund Manager, Federation of Unemployment Funds in Finland (TYJ)
   
• Member: Vesa Rantahalvari, Chief Policy Adviser, Confederation of Finnish Industries
  Deputy member: Mikko Räsänen, Senior Adviser, Confederation of Finnish Industries
   
• Member: Harri Hellstén, Head of Labour Market Affairs, Federation of Finnish Enterprises
  Deputy member:  Atte Rytkönen-Sandberg, Director, Federation of Finnish Enterprises
   
• Member: Pirjo Väänänen. Head of Social Affairs, Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions
  Deputy member: Tytti Naukkarinen. Economist, Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions
   
• Member: Heikki Taulu, Economist, Finnish Confederation of Professionals STTK
  Deputy member: Katri Ojala, Senior Advisort, Finnish Confederation of Professionals STTK
   
• Member: Tuulikki Saari, Director, Työllisyysrahasto
  Deputy member: Maria Kauppinen, Legal Counsel, Benefit Service, Employment Fund
   
• Member: Maire Lumiaho, Specialist, Business Development, Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners (MTK)
  Deputy member: Jenni Hunnakko, Legal Advisor, Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners (MTK)