Overall work input of researchers increased

The overall work input of MTT personnel in 2001 came to an annual full-time equivalent (FTE) of 909, 49 more than in 2000. The overall work input figure was increased by the merger of MTT and the Agricultural Economics Research Institute (MTTL) as of March 1, 2001, which brought 72 additional persons onto the MTT payroll.

The relative level of overall work input financing allocated under the Budget remained unchanged at 63 per cent. External research financing rose by 0.3 percentage points, and customer financing's relative share fell respectively by 0.3 percentage points from the previous year.

The overall work input of researchers totalled 266 FTE, an increase of 42 on the previous year. 38.5 FTE of this increase was due to the merger of the two research institutes. Researchers' relative share of MTT's overall work input was 29.3 per cent, 3.3 percentage points up on the previous year. The input of other research and laboratory personnel was down by 3.4 percentage points. In other respects, the relative shares of the different staff groups in MTT's overall work input remained unchanged.

A rise in the average educational level of personnel

In accordance with MTT's personnel strategy, the expertise of MTT personnel is constantly being enhanced through continuing and further education. Ensuring both basic and specialist competence is a fundamental prerequisite for MTT's work.

In 2001, MTT's personnel completed 29 new degrees, including 11 doctorates. At the end of the year, doctors and licentiates accounted for 10.6 per cent of MTT personnel, an increase of 0.4 percentage points on the previous year. The share of those holding a master's degree was up on the previous year, from 22.5 per cent to 23.7 per cent, while the number holding a bachelor's degree was up by 0.3 percentage points. The relative share of those with higher vocational or upper secondary-level education fell slightly.

Number of personnel with a regular employment contract increased

The project launched in 2000 to guarantee security of employment and to reform the employment contract structure was continued in 2001; as a result of this project, the employment contract of 11 fixed-term employees was made permanent. At the end of the year, 67.7 per cent of MTT personnel were on a regular contract.

Another aim of the project is to clarify use of the two main categories of employment contract under Finnish law so that civil service contracts are used primarily for staff in key posts involving the exercise of public authority, including a range of management positions and rapporteurs. For those in other positions, the preferred form of contract is the standard employment contract. At the end of the year, 46 per cent of staff were on a civil service contract, while 54 per cent were on a standard employment contract. The number of staff on a standard employment contract was 3 percentage points higher than in the previous year.

Flexible working life increases wellbeing at work

Various flexiwork opportunities are improving the personnel's motivation, ability to cope, and general wellbeing at work. For instance, part-time pension schemes have been increasingly used in the past few years. During 2001, 26 of MTT's staff were on part-time pension schemes, up by 4 on the previous year. Job alternation leave and part-time supplement schemes have also established their position, with 18 members of staff on these schemes in 2001. MTT also concluded nine new fixed-term teleworking contracts during 2001.

For further information please contact Maritta Yläranta