Contracts of employment and employment relationships

The principle of protection of the employee lies at the heart of employment legislation. As a result, there are legal provisions contained in employment legislation which are absolute and to which no exceptions can be made under agreements to the detriment of the employee.

The main laws which apply to an individual’s employment relationship are the Employment Contracts Act, Working Hours Act, Annual Holidays Act, Study Leave Act and Act on the Protection of Privacy in Working Life. The Employment Contracts Act is the basic Finnish law governing employment. It applies to work in both the private and public sector, whatever kind of work it is.

For the provisions of the Employment Contracts Act and other employment legislation to apply, an employee needs to be working for an employer under his direction and supervision, i.e. in an employment relationship, and not, for example, as an entrepreneur. Young employees are also covered under the provisions of the Young Workers Act. The employment relationships of seamen are provided under legislation on employment at sea. There is also special legislation concerning the employment relationships of workers posted to Finland and household workers as well as the employment security of person entering military service.

Industrial Relations and Labour Legislation in Finland, brochure, 2006Employment Contracts Act, brochure text, 2010Guidebook for Temporary Agency Work, 2009

Follow-up Study on the Reformed Employment Contract Act (2001), (257:2004, mol.fi, summary)