Legislative reforms concerning employment services in 2026

There will also be changes to the assessment of the need for services and the preparation of employment plans. Jobseekers will be required to apply for jobs indicated to them by the employment authority as soon as they become unemployed. At the same time, the obligations for young people to seek education and the publication of job applicant profiles will be reformed.

Why are the laws being changed?

The legislative changes are based on the Programme of Government. The goals are the following:

• faster employment for jobseekers
• clearer obligations and more predictable sanctions
• a more personalised and simplified service process
• strengthening the role of Job Market Finland and job applicant profiles in employment services
• reduction of administrative work in rehabilitative work activities, for example.

Most of the changes proposed in the bill on the development of employment services will come into effect 1.1.2026. Unemployment security sanctions and changes to the reminder procedure will come into effect 1.3.2026 and Obligations concerning job applicant profiles and the Job Market Finland service platform 1.9.2026.

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Legislative reforms concerning employment services in 2026 (porvoo.fi)