The Government proposal would drive the achievement of the Government Programme objective of more stable working hours in variable hours contracts. In addition, it would implement the amendments necessitated by the directive on transparent and predictable working conditions in the EU, such as predictable terms of employment. The Government submitted its proposal to Parliament on 21 April 2022.

The Government proposes that the period of validity of the decree issued under the Emergency Powers Act regarding exceptional arrangements for working hours, annual holidays and the employee’s notice period be extended until 30 June 2020. This is to enable the healthcare and social services sector to better respond to any acute personnel shortages caused by the virus epidemic.

On 17 March 2020, the Government issued a decree under the Emergency Powers Act to allow employers to respond to personnel shortage caused by the virus epidemic in critical functions of society. The arrangements concern working hours and annual holidays as well as notice periods in case of employee resignation.

On 21 May 2018, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment submitted a draft government proposal for a new working hours act to the Finnish Council of Regulatory Impact Analysis (FCRIA) for assessment. The aim is to update the current Working Hours Act so that it better responds to the needs of working life in the 2020s.

There will be clearer ground rules for zero hours contracts. The President of the Republic approved the legislative amendments concerning variable working hours contracts on 18 May 2018. The amendments will enter into force on 1 June 2018.