Job alternation leave system has been repealed

7 August 2024 1 min read

By Ina Törrönen and Barbara Angene

At a glance

  • On 1 August, the job alternation leave scheme was abolished.
  • This means that compensation payments for job alternation leave is no longer paid.

Job alternation leave allowed employees to take an extended period of time off work, without any particular reason. Job alternation leave was intended to promote employees’ well-being in the workplace. It also provided an opportunity for an unemployed person to find employment and gain work experience while they were employed for a temporary period to cover for the employee taking job alternation leave. The employee taking job alternation leave was paid job alternation allowance for the duration of their leave.

Earlier this year, the Finnish Parliament approved the government's proposal to repeal the act governing job alternation leave, resulting in the cessation of job alternation compensation. The job alternation leave scheme was abolished on 1 August 2024.