In August 2025, Lahti had a total of 1,235 unemployed jobseekers with foreign backgrounds. The unemployment rate among foreign-born residents was 37.4%, compared to the national average of 24.6%. Unemployment has increased across Finland, and the number of open positions has reached a record low. In Lahti, there were just under 800 open jobs in August 2025—down from over 1,000 a year earlier and nearly 4,200 three years ago (Statistics Finland).
Fast-track recruitment model leading to employment and entrepreneurship
Despite the tightening labor market, the International Work Lahti (IWL) project has reached a significant milestone: by September 2025, a total of 107 international professionals have been employed by companies in the Lahti region through the project. Each employment outcome has been achieved through close collaboration between the City of Lahti, employers, and jobseekers. The project aims to employ a total of 300 individuals by the end of 2026. In addition, six new businesses have been launched with support from the initiative.
The project has developed a fast-track recruitment model based on close cooperation between training and business coordinators. This teamwork enables a deep understanding of jobseekers’ skills and motivation, as well as a rapid response to the needs of local companies.
Boosting employment with a new job search application
This autumn, the project will launch the Workit Lahti application, designed to streamline the recruitment process. The app uses keyword-based matching to connect employers and jobseekers, and includes features such as video greetings and chat functionality. Workit is free of charge for both employers and jobseekers and will initially be piloted in the Lahti region.