Minister Erkki Keldo: Young workers should not be over-regulated

Economy and Industry Minister Erkki Keldo believes that young people entering the workforce should be a family decision. The minister stressed that once young people are working, the state should not over-protect or restrict them.

Economy and Industry Minister Erkki Keldo (Reform Party) expressed the view on Kuku radio's morning programme that society does not need comprehensive regulation. According to the minister, people — including young workers — should be given more freedom of choice.

According to Keldo, the decision of whether and when a young family member enters the workforce is each family's own matter. The state should not, in his view, dictate how families resolve such questions.

At the same time, the minister added that once young people have entered the labour market, it is not sensible to shelter them behind excessive layers of protection. Keldo used the expression "keeping in cotton wool," referring to the fact that excessive state care does not actually benefit young workers.