Regional cooperation continues in Tampere Employment Area - the withdrawal of one municipality will not affect services
Close regional cooperation within the Tampere region employment area will continue, even though the municipality of Urjala is preparing to withdraw from the cooperation agreement. A potential withdrawal will not affect the operation or customer service of the employment area next year. The agreement will remain in force among the other municipalities, and development work will proceed as planned.
Collaboration and services remain unchanged in the Tampere region employment area. The possible withdrawal of Urjala will not amend agreements of other municipalities, nor will it impact services for customers or staff in the remaining municipalities. There has been constructive dialogue with Urjala and any withdrawal will be prepared in cooperation to ensure service continuity.
– According to the cooperation agreement, if one municipality withdraws, the agreement remains valid among the others, says Pekka Salmi, Director of Economic Development, Competence and Real Estate Services
– The strength of the Tampere region lies in close municipal cooperation and strong vitality that every municipality benefits. We remain committed to develop collaboration because it delivers the greatest benefit for residents and regional vitality, adds Jaakko Mustakallio, Deputy Mayor of Tampere and Chair of the Employment Committee.
The costs of employment services
The costs of employment services have increased nationwide, creating financial challenges for municipalities in the Tampere Region as well. Next year, the employment area will develop cost-sharing between municipalities based on the principle of causation, ensuring expenses better reflect actual costs incurred in each municipality.
– We have worked in broad and smooth cooperation with all municipalities. The first year has been demanding due to the difficult employment situation, but we have built operations together. However, we understand that many municipalities are considering how to cope with rising costs when financial prospects are currently challenging in municipalities.
Development work continues, and refining cost-sharing is one of next year’s key goals, says Regina Saari, Director of Employment and Growth Services.
Background
The City of Tampere is responsible for organizing and providing the statutory tasks of the employment authority within the Tampere region employment area. Public employment and business services were transferred to employment areas at the beginning of 2025.
The Tampere region employment area consists of 16 municipalities: Akaa, Juupajoki, Kangasala, Kuhmoinen, Lempäälä, Nokia, Orivesi, Pirkkala, Pälkäne, Ruovesi, Tampere, Urjala, Valkeakoski, Vesilahti, Virrat, and Ylöjärvi.
