Veikkaus announces temporary layoffs as Covid-19 struggles hit home
800 employees in sales and sports betting divisions to be furloughed for up to 90 days
Finnish monopoly operator Veikkaus has completed negotiations to furlough as many as 800 members of staff on as Finland struggles to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. The negotiations, which began earlier this month, affect mainly staff in the business’ sales functions and employees working in its sports betting arm, with employees set to exit the business starting in January 2021. However, it is understood the layoffs are not permanent in nature and will only be for a maximum period of 90 days and will be carried out in stages, according to the work situation of the units, teams and individuals involved. Veikkaus is also understood to be using paid employee leave in order to negate the need for the layoffs where possible. “We have conducted the negotiations in a constructive spirit together with the staff representatives,” Veikkaus director of sales Jari Heino said. “In this difficult corona situation, Veikkaus’ management must make even difficult decisions. “They target people whose work has been temporarily reduced and for whom we cannot reasonably arrange other suitable work or training that meets the needs of the employer,” Heino claimed. EGR understands the temporary layoffs will conform with current Finnish Covid-19 guidelines in respect of regional travel across Finland, in particular in the Kainuu hospital district in central Helsinki, where Veikkaus’ head offices are based. Many of the firm’s land-based slots machines located in the district have been temporarily switched off to stop the spread of the virus by limiting transmission through physical contact. “The current goal is to restore business and open Veikkaus’ own gaming venues and decentralised slot machines when the situation in the hospital district allows it. “In line with that goal, the layoffs in the area would end at the same time,” Heino explained. “I wish the Veikkaus staff strength and a peaceful Christmas time in this uncertain situation. Our common goal is to beat coronavirus in Finland and move towards a better place in society,” he added.