Employment improved in August, according to the latest figures from Statistics Finland. The number of people in work increased and the number of unemployed people fell slightly, suggesting that the labour market has regained at least some momentum after a weaker period.

Sami Pakarinen, an economist at the Confederation of Finnish Industries, said the turn came already in August. In his view, that gives Finland a better base for the final months of the year, even if one month alone does not change the overall picture immediately.

The figures matter because they reflect both household income prospects and companies’ confidence. August’s improvement is still modest, but it is a welcome signal at a time when labour market weakness has been one of the main concerns in the economy.