New legislation implemented - system for job alternation leaves discontinued

01.08.2024

In May 2024, the Finnish Parliament approved a legislative change that abolished the system for job alternation leave starting from 1 August 2024.

Job alternation leave refers to a situation where you took a leave from work for up to six months. For the duration of your leave, the employer hires an unemployed jobseeker. No salary is paid during job alternation leave. Instead, you apply for job alternation compensation from your unemployment fund.

You can read more about job alternation leave here.

Job alternation leaves started before the legislative change continue normally

Job alternation leaves were still possible to start until the day before the system was discontinued. The last possible start date for job alternation leaves was 31 July 2024.

If you started your job alternation leave by 31 July 2024, you can take it as agreed for 100-180 calendar days.

As of 1 August 2024, job alternation leave can no longer be started.

For up-to-date information about all legislative changes, please visit our Legislative Changes 2024 section.