Finland: Redundant employees entitlement to public support

The Unemployment security act outlines the conditions under which the unemployed person will receive unemployment benefit. Unemployment benefit, provided by the national Social Insurance Institution (Kela), is normally available for unemployed people aged 17-64 years old. The local government of the place of residence of the unemployed is liable to pay part of the costs. The type and amount of the benefit depends on the duration of unemployment and whether the person has been employed before. Other income, such as other benefits, temporary wages, or entrepreneurial revenues, may also affect the amount of unemployment benefit to be paid. 

The Act on public employment and business service defines the responsibilities and scope of public employment services (PES, TE Offices). PES must inform the unemployed of the available services and terms and conditions of job seeking, and keep regular contact with the unemployed. A first interview is normally arranged within two weeks after the unemployed registers as a job seeker. In cooperation with the PES, the unemployed will draw up a personalised employment plan based on his or her objectives and estimated needs. The unemployed is obliged to follow the employment plan, to actively look for work opportunities and training, and to take up employment measures. If the unemployed fails to draft an employment plan, or to follow the plan, he or she may be denied the right to unemployment benefit for a predefined period of time. The employment plan must be updated jointly by the unemployed and PES at least every three months.

An unemployed who without an acceptable reason has resigned, caused her/his own dismissal, or refused a job offer may be denied the right to unemployment benefit for a predefined period.

PES and/or the regional Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY centres) advice and distribute information on:

• vacant positions and job seeking;
• labour force availability and acquisition;
• training and skills development opportunities;
• the labour market, occupational sectors and occupations;
• business start-up and development activities;
• services, subsidies and compensations.

PES, ELY centres and Kela together offer financial and non-financial support for different employment measures. These include (but may not be limited to):

• long-distance commuting;
• counselling and financial support for starting a business;
• job trials;
• education and training;
• subsidised employment.