Finland Times

 

SAK's central office in Hakaniemi, Helsinki.File Photo – Lehtikuva.

The Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK) has downplayed restricting unemployment benefit conditions, saying the measures will not generate new jobs in the current employment environment.

 

SAK is surprised that the government plans to extend the waiting period for unemployment benefits and to widen the obligations for receiving work. According to the organisation, the proposed changes would require an increase in TE-office staff.

 

However, SAK is satisfied with the government’s intention to use unemployment benefits to promote employment, for example, by financing start-ups, wage subsidies and mobility grants.

 

Trade union confederation Akava demanded that the education and skills of the unemployed should be taken into account in job offers. According to the organisation, a job offer must match a person’s skills, even if the obligation to accept job offers is widened.

 

The government is planning a number of new restrictions on unemployment benefits. For some unemployed persons, there will be an obligation to accept work from outside their own field.

 

Akava pointed out that high-skilled job offers can be found from several other sources than just the employment authorities.

 

The organisation regards the government’s package as well-founded. A job-seeker could become more active in finding employment. Akava also believes that the benefits restrictions could extend to training and education for the unemployed. SAK also supports the self-initiated education and training for the unemployed.