What is the process and eligibility criteria for taking bereavement leave in Finland, and how is pay calculated?

In Finland, there is no legal requirement for bereavement leave, and the duration of such leave is not specified by law. However, it is common for employers to offer a few days of leave to supported employees in the event of a bereavement. The eligibility criteria and duration are typically determined by the employer and may vary. Payment for bereavement leave is also not governed by specific legal requirements, and any arrangements regarding payment are usually outlined by the employer's policies.

The process for applying for bereavement leave in Finland typically involves the supported employee notifying their employer via email. This notification should include the dates requested for the leave. The specifics of the bereavement leave are generally agreed upon between the employer and the supported employee.

What is the process and eligibility criteria for taking educational leave in Finland, and how is pay calculated?

In Finland, the process and eligibility criteria for taking educational leave, also known as study leave, are clearly defined.

Eligibility Criteria:

• An employee must be employed full-time with the same employer for 1 year or more to be eligible for study leave.
• Employees are free to choose the subject of their studies, which do not need to be related to the employer’s operations.

Maximum Length of Study Leave:

• Study leave can be taken for a maximum of 2 years over a period of 5 years, either in one installment or multiple.
• If the employment has lasted between 3 months and 1 year, the maximum possible study leave is 5 days.

Application Process:

• The employee must submit an application for study leave before the studies begin.
• For leaves longer than 5 working days, the application must be in writing and submitted at least 45 days in advance.
• For leaves of 5 working days or less, the application can be either written or oral and should be submitted at least 15 days in advance.
• Employers and employees may agree upon alternative methods of application.

Employer's Response:

• The employer is required to inform the employee of their decision before the studies start.
• For study leaves longer than 5 working days, a written response is necessary at least 15 calendar days before the commencement of the leave.
• For study leaves of 5 working days or less, the response must be given at the latest 7 days before the leave starts.

Notification to Shop Steward:

• If requested by the employee, the employer must also inform the shop steward representing the employee about the decision regarding the study leave.

It should be noted that study leave in Finland is unpaid.

What is the process and eligibility criteria for taking sabbatical leave in Finland, and how is pay calculated?

In Finland, employees are eligible for Job Alternation Leave, which allows a temporary leave of absence ranging from 100 to 180 calendar days.

To apply for sabbatical leave in Finland, known as job alternation leave, the following process must be followed:

• The employer and the employee must mutually agree on the terms of the job alternation leave.
• Employees taking job alternation leave are entitled to return to their former duties when the leave ends.

Employees in Finland are eligible for job alternation leave after they have worked for a total of at least 20 years. The maximum age to qualify for alternation leave is 60.

To substitute for the employee who is on job alternation leave, the employer must hire one of the following:

• A long-time unemployed job seeker
• A job seeker who is under the age of 30 and has recently graduated with a vocational or higher education degree
• A job seeker who is under the age of 25 or over the age of 55

How long is unpaid leave in Finland?

Leave in Finland is generally unpaid unless specified otherwise by law or in the applicable collective agreement. For instance, a collective agreement might state that wages will continue to be paid during maternity leave and temporary child-care leave. Additionally, employees in Finland may apply to Kela, the Social Insurance Institution, for compensation during certain types of leave.