sairastuvuusviikkojen

Sairastuvuusviikot, meaning "sickness weeks" in Finnish, refers to the period of time an employee is absent from work due to illness. This concept is central to the Finnish social security system and employment law, particularly concerning the right to sick pay. When an employee becomes ill, they are generally entitled to receive sick pay from their employer for a certain duration, after which the Kela (Social Insurance Institution of Finland) may take over the responsibility.

The duration and conditions for receiving sick pay are governed by collective agreements and individual employment contracts, but statutory minimums exist. Typically, the first day of sickness may not be compensated, or it might be subject to a waiting period, depending on the sector and specific agreement. After this initial period, the employer usually pays sick pay for a defined number of days, often up to a maximum of 90 working days within a three-year period.

If the illness persists beyond the employer's responsibility, the employee can apply for sickness allowance from Kela. This transition ensures that individuals who are genuinely ill and unable to work can still receive financial support. The concept of sairastuvuusviikot is designed to balance the employer's financial obligations with the employee's right to health and economic security during periods of illness.