The government aims to make it easier for jobseekers to study without losing unemployment benefits, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment said on Friday.
According to the draft proposal, a jobseeker could in the future study without losing unemployment benefits, as long as the studies are not specifically defined as full-time.
Permissible studies would include, for example, short courses, training, qualification training and studies at community colleges, as well as limited studies at open universities. The jobseeker would not have to report such studies to the TE Office or their municipality.
Studies leading to a degree would still be considered full-time. Full-time studies may be considered part-time if the jobseeker has previously worked or been an entrepreneur for at least six months during their studies, though.
At the same time, the government plans to increase the job search obligation for unemployed people who are studying while on the dole.
Plan could save €40m, boost employment
While studying part-time, a jobseeker must keep apply for work and be prepared to accept a full-time job if offered.
Government numbers-crunchers estimate that the changes will boost employment by about 1,100 people and save the state more than 40 million euros a year.
Last week the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment predicted that the employment rate will grow briskly over the next two years, particularly among younger people.
The ministry is circulating the proposal for comment until 1 July.
The cabinet intends to submit the proposal to Parliament next autumn. The legislature is on summer recess from late June until early September.
