Vuosiloma

Vuosiloma, commonly translated as annual leave, is the period each year during which an employee is released from work with pay. In Finland, it is a statutory right established by the Annual Holidays Act (Vuosilaki) and shaped by collective agreements and employment contracts. The purpose is to provide rest and time for personal life balance.

Entitlement and accrual: The right accrues as long as the person is employed; the exact number of days and the accrual rate depend on law and contract. A typical arrangement is that employees earn holidays gradually during the preceding year, leading to a yearly entitlement of around four weeks or more, with possibilities for higher accrual for longer service or under specific agreements. Holidays may include a carryover from one year to the next under defined conditions.

Use and pay: Holidays are scheduled in agreement with the employer. When on holiday, the employee receives holiday pay, a separate component intended to compensate for the period away from work. The holiday year is defined by the employer or contract, and unused days may be carried over or paid out under the applicable rules.

End of employment: If the employment ends, the employer pays the employee for any unused holidays as holiday compensation, subject to the terms of the law and contract. This ensures that accrued leave is fully settled when a job terminates.

See also: Annual Holidays Act, palkallinen vuosiloma, holiday pay.