Steelmaker Outokumpu is cut about 100 jobs in its stainless unit, mostly in the northern city of Tornio. The company hopes to save some 10 million euros through staff cuts and other efficiency savings.

The Tornio-based steel firm had originally planned for 150-200 redundancies, but found other ways to trim costs during co-determination negotiations with employee representatives. Nevertheless, unions had hoped for fewer job cuts.

Some 55 employees will be made redundant or take early retirement, with 45 temporary workers to leave at the end of their contracts.

Food manufacturer Saarioinen announced plans to dismiss some 225 people. The company is to begin  co-determination negotiations that affect 1,870 people, the firm’s entire workforce. The company plans to eliminate 165 shop floor jobs, particularly in the meats sector, along with 60 clerical roles.

Grim news in labour market

Saarioinen Managing Director Ilkka Mäkelä said that missed profit targets meant the processed food giant would have to cut costs. He cited consumers’ growing desire to cook for themselves rather than heat up readymade meals as a factor in the company’s move.

”The trend seems to be that more food is prepared at home,” said Mäkelä.

Completing a day of grim news in the labour market, commercial media company MTV Media announced plans to cut 80 jobs. The lay-off talks affect every part of the company except its Radio Nova channel.

Broadcaster MTV3 said it wants to improve its online position. Unions have asked for further detail on the reasoning behind the planned lay-offs, ahead of the lay-off talks.