Family leaves and other absences
Employees are entitled to family leave. For certain types of leave, the right is linked to a corresponding benefit paid during the leave, but for example, the right to parental leave for childcare (such as unpaid childcare leave) is defined differently.
As a rule, the employer is not obligated to pay wages during these absences, but many collective agreements include different provisions.
Family Leave
Employees must notify their employer of family leave at least two months before the leave begins.
Exceptionally, a shorter notice period is allowed in the event of a sudden need, provided it does not cause serious inconvenience to the employer.
Study Leave and Unpaid Leave
An employee can be granted study leave for up to two years within a five-year period, and it must be applied for in writing within the specified time before studies begin.
Study leave can be postponed or interrupted under certain conditions.
Illness
In the event of illness, the employee must report the absence in accordance with the employer’s instructions and is entitled to sick pay under certain conditions.
In cases of long-term incapacity for work, Kela (The Social Insurance Institution of Finland) pays sickness allowance for up to 300 days.
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Legal information about working life covers a wide range of topics related to the employment lifecycle and provides information on, for example, becoming self-employed or working abroad.