Finland: details on parental leave, training and unemployment benefits rules enforced on January 1

A series of new social laws and regulations came into force on January 1, proving that the Finnish government has respected the agreements signed with unions and employers within the framework of the tripartite negotiations that took place last summer.  Key changes affect unemployment benefits, parental leave or the development of workers’ skills.
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In Finland, since the big crisis in the 90s, bargaining was taking place between the social partners and the State, a system that has proven effective to boost the country’s growth over the last 20 years, combining wage negotiations, social policy and economic and industrial policy. Employers count on the State to calm unions’ demands down or vote realistic reports of the economic situation, and the State steps in financially or through the legislative path, to make it easier for employers to

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