Finland proposes stronger protection against pregnancy and family-related discrimination

At a glance

• The Finnish government is proposing amendments to the Act on Equality Between Women and Men (Act) to strengthen protection against discrimination related to pregnancy and family responsibilities.
• The proposal would expressly add parenthood and family care obligations to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.
• Employers would be required to explain the non-renewal or termination of a fixed-term contract where the employee has notified pregnancy, childbirth or family care obligations.
• Liability to pay indemnity for breaches of the Act would be extended to cover companies using leased workers.
• The proposal would also amend the limitation periods for bringing claims under the Act.

Although implementation of the EU Pay Transparency Directive has been postponed, the Finnish government is progressing other measures aimed at preventing discrimination. On 26 March 2026, the government issued a proposal to amend the Act with the objective of strengthening protection for employees who are pregnant or who have family care responsibilities.

Under the proposal, the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination would be expanded to explicitly include parenthood and family care obligations. In addition, employers would be subject to a new obligation to explain why a fixed-term employment contract has ended or has not been renewed where the employee has notified the employer of pregnancy, childbirth or family care responsibilities.

The proposal would also broaden employer liability by extending the obligation to pay indemnity for breaches of the Act to companies that use leased labour. Finally, the time limits for bringing claims under the Act would be amended.

These measures form part of a broader effort by the Finnish government to enhance equality protections in the workplace, notwithstanding the delayed implementation of pay transparency reforms.