Mandatory waiting periods for unemployment benefit are tightened from the beginning of March
The legislative amendment applies only to mandatory waiting periods related to job seeking and labour market services.
The aim is to emphasize the jobseeker’s own responsibility to actively seek employment and to participate in the services offered. The change therefore concerns mandatory waiting periods imposed by labour authorities as a result of blameworthy conduct related to job seeking and labour market services. Such reasons include, for example, failing to attend an agreed meeting with the labour authority or failing to apply for jobs in the agreed manner.
How can I avoid such a mandatory waiting period?
By following the given instructions.
The warning is discontinued
In the future, a mandatory waiting period may be imposed already after the first instance of blameworthy conduct without a prior warning. In such cases, the length of the mandatory waiting period is seven days.
The right to unemployment benefit can be lost more easily than before
A work obligation may be imposed already after the second repeated instance of blameworthy conduct. This means losing the right to unemployment benefit for an indefinite period.
How can the right to unemployment benefit be regained?
In the future, after a work obligation, the right to unemployment benefit can be regained by working or by participating in an employment-promoting service for six weeks. Previously, fulfilling the work obligation required 12 weeks of work or participation in a service.
Read more on TYJ’s website (in Finnish)