3.6 Integration of young people in the labour market
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Youth employment measures
Employers may be eligible for a pay subsidy, when hiring an unemployed jobseeker of any age group. Wage subsidies are paid for work carried out on an employment contract or for an apprenticeship. Both public sector employers, such as municipalities, and companies and other private-sector employers such as associations, foundations and social corporations can receive the subsidy when the relevant conditions are met. On the other hand, many municipalities pay a substitute to employers when they hire a young person.
The youth workshop activities are targeted at young people who are inactive in education, employment and training, or those in need of other support. For more information, visit: Youth Wiki/Finland 4.7 Youth work to foster social inclusion.
Flexicurity measures focusing on young people
Transition security improves the employee's position in situations where they are in danger of being dismissed or have been dismissed for financial or production-related reasons. Transition security also applies to fixed-term employees, and those who are laid off for a period of 180 days, or to those who have been laid off. This enhances the co-operation between employees, employers, and the Public Employment and Business Offices (TE offices). Transition security includes paid leave for dismissed employees to search for a new job, supplementary unemployment allowance, or the increased allowance due to their extensive employment history paid while participating in services that promote employment and support the employment plan. It involves young people, but there are no measures to enhance their position in the labour market in change situations.
Reconciliation of private and working life for young people
According to the Non-Discrimination Act (in Finnish), a person should not be discriminated against for any reason, e.g. for age. The obligation to promote equality expands beyond public authorities to education providers, educational institutes and employers. The obligation to draw up an equality plan concerns employers who have 30 or more employees. Public authorities, education providers, and employers must ensure that employees with disabilities have equal access to services, work or education and training. Persons with disabilities must also have equal access to goods and services. The Act applies to all public and private activities, excluding private life, family life, and religious institutions. In addition to the Non-Discrimination Act, the Finnish Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment states that specific terms of employment apply to young workers under the age of 18.
The Act on Equality between Men and Women (in Finnish) prohibits discrimination based on gender, and requires the promotion of gender equality. There is a long history of promoting gender equality in Finland, particularly regarding pay, working conditions, terms of employment, and career development. There are also various forms of financial support and child care arrangements available for families, such as a maternity grant, maternity leave, parental leave, paternity leave, child care leave and child benefits.
Funding of existing schemes/initiatives
The processes of integrating young people into the labour market are included in the main budget of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.
Quality assurance
The effects of main policy measures are monitored by following the indicators provided by the State Youth Council. Indicators are used to evaluate the well-being and living conditions of young people. Some of these are also reported in the Annual Government Reports.