As part of its commitment to raise the employment rate, the Government decided on new employment measures on 11 February 2022 that will boost its existing measures.

Entrepreneurs have been temporarily entitled to labour market support on more flexible terms during the coronavirus pandemic. Due to the deteriorating coronavirus situation, the Government submitted a proposal to Parliament on Thursday 20 January 2022 to extend the temporary amendment.

The right of entrepreneurs to claim labour market support will continue until the end of June 2021. The Government decided on the matter on 27 January 2021 and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment will start preparing the legislative amendment immediately.

Exceptions were made to the Act on Unemployment Security Act due to the coronavirus pandemic. The aim has been to ensure the livelihood of employees and entrepreneurs. Some of the exceptions will continue until the end of March 2021. The extended right of laid-off employees to study during the lay-off period will continue until the end of 2021.

Parliament has approved the Government’s proposals to extend the duration of the temporary amendments concerning lay-offs, co-operation procedures and the right of laid-off employees and entrepreneurs to unemployment security until the end of 2020. The President of the Republic is to approve the amendments on 26 June 2020, and they would largely enter into force on 11 July 2020.