Jobseeker: Learn about recent changes to jobseeker services and updated jobseeker obligations

The changes are based on legislative amendments that entered into force at the beginning of the year and affect jobseekers’ rights and obligations. During the first three months of job search, employment services will be able to assess the jobseeker’s situation more flexibly and schedule coaching meetings more or less frequently depending on the jobseeker’s individual situation.

There will also be changes to job offers, job search obligations, and the requirement for young people to apply for education. The process for handling missed appointments will shift from a two-step to a single-step procedure. After the first missed appointment, the job search will be terminated immediately, which will prevent the payment of unemployment benefits.
The consequences for non-compliance affecting unemployment benefits will move from a four-step to a two-step procedure. Employment services coaches in Jyväskylä will support jobseekers with these changes and answer any questions.

Your job search will end after the first missed appointment

From the beginning of March 2026, your job search will end immediately if you fail to interact with the employment authority within the given deadline and in the instructed manner.
Your job search will end immediately if, for example, you do not attend an initial interview, job search discussion, or supplementary job search discussion. This also applies to meetings held by phone. Please ensure that you attend all scheduled appointments with the employment authority and keep your contact information up to date via the Job Market Finland online service.

Stricter consequences for non-compliance related to unemployment benefits

Starting 1 March 2026, the sanction system for unemployment benefits will be reduced from four levels to two. The new consequences will be:

First non-compliance: A seven-day waiting period without benefits (a “sanction period”), during which you will not receive unemployment benefits.
Second or subsequent non-compliance within a 12‑month period: A work requirement.
You may fulfil this requirement by working for six (6) weeks or by participating in employment-promoting services.

Changes to job search obligations

How job search obligations are fulfilled is changing

Going forward, the job search obligation is fulfilled only by submitting job applications to positions chosen by the jobseeker. Publishing a jobseeker profile on Job Market Finland or applying to jobs assigned by employment services will no longer count toward meeting the obligation.
Jobs assigned by employment services must be applied for from the start of unemployment
In the future, you must apply for jobs assigned by employment services immediately from the beginning of your unemployment. This applies even if you have already fulfilled your job search obligation for the current review period. Previously, this obligation began after six months.

Part-time workers included in the full job search obligation

The job search obligation for part-time workers is changing. As a rule, part-time workers must apply for four (4) job opportunities per month unless the obligation has been reduced or waived. The obligation may be reduced if conditions set in law are met. For example, it may not be applied if a jobseeker works part-time and cannot take on additional work due to their health (illness or disability).

Young people without a profession must apply for education

Jobseekers under 25 may fulfil their obligation by also applying for preparatory training or labour market training if their health prevents them from applying to degree‑leading education. This will be agreed upon in the employment plan, and exceptions to application schedules may be arranged if necessary.

Changes to jobseeker services

Initial interview and job search discussions

The initial interview will be held within ten working days from the start of job search. The previous standardised model—where all jobseekers had a fixed number of discussions—will be discontinued.

In the new model, the number and content of job search discussions will be tailored to the jobseeker’s needs. Discussions will still take place at least every three months. Service needs will always be assessed individually, and the jobseeker may be referred for expert assessments when this supports employment.

The employment plan will remain part of the service, but it can now include a wider range of activities that improve jobseekers' work readiness and work ability. The goal is to provide solutions that support employment as effectively as possible. Jyväskylä Employment Services will assist with the changes and answer any questions.

Read more about the reforms at Job Market Finland's website.