Kela boss apologises over comments suggesting agency's workers were easily replaceable

""The director came to the same conclusion as the board, that his choice of words was very unfortunate, and he apologises for them," Kiukas says."

""I strongly believe that we won't see anything like that again," Kiukas said."

""My comments have not shown the respect that the professionals working at Kela deserve, and for that I apologise," his statement read."

Lasse Lehtonen apologised for remarks that offended Kela staff and strained relations between management and employees. An extraordinary board meeting reviewed his comments and found his communication style inappropriate. Lehtonen had suggested a job seekers' market and that Kela had "no particular need to retain its staff until the very last minute." The apology followed backlash to a new policy requiring employees to come into the office once a week, which would increase commutes for some after branch closures. The board expects the issue not to recur, and the agency will continue discussions with employees.

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