In recent member consultations, we have seen an increase in discussions about workplace change negotiations and terminations. What are the key things to keep in mind if you have been made redundant?

Employees who have been made redundant on financial and production-related grounds should keep the following information in mind:

1. The employee is entitled to paid employment leave during the period of notice. Employment leave can be used, for example, for finding a new job, job interviews or other purposes that promote re-employment. The length of the employment leave depends on the length of the notice period. Employees aged 55 or over may be eligible for longer employment leave.
2. If the employer has employed 30 persons and the employee’s employment relationship has lasted for at least five years, the employer must arrange employment-promoting coaching for the employee, the value of which must correspond at least to the employee’s monthly salary. 
   
3. If the employer has employed 30 persons and the employee’s employment relationship has lasted for at least five years, the employee who has been made redundant has the right to use the employer’s occupational health care services for six months after the end of the employment relationship or until they are re-employed. 
4. An employee who has been made redundant can apply for earnings-related allowance from the unemployment fund if they are a member of the fund. For this purpose, the employee who has been made redundant must register as a jobseeker with the Employment and Economic Development Office (TE Office) on the first day of unemployment at the latest.
5. Membership of Professionals of Business and Technology includes comprehensive career and job search services.

The tips and answers were given by Jere Vuorio, employment lawyer at Professionals of Business and Technology. Do you need advice on change negotiations or terminations? As a member, you will get help from our employment counseling.