Proposed amendment to Annual Holiday Act

At a glance

• Employees currently decide when to use saved holidays exceeding 24 days.
• The government plans to shift this decision to employers unless otherwise agreed.
• The change would apply to holidays saved under mutual agreement beyond 18 days.
• The amendment aims to improve workforce planning and employer flexibility.
• A formal legislative proposal is expected in early 2026.

Under Finland’s current Annual Holiday Act, employees can save holidays exceeding 24 days for later use, and the timing of these holidays is at the employee’s discretion. Additionally, employers and employees may agree to save holidays exceeding 18 days.

According to the current government programme, this framework is set to change. The proposed amendment would give employers the right to determine when saved holidays are taken, unless otherwise agreed. This marks a significant shift in favour of employer discretion and is intended to support operational planning and staffing needs.

The government is expected to publish a formal legislative proposal in early 2026. We will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more details become available.