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New customer service model for jobseekers

The new customer service model was introduced at the beginning of May 2022 in the local government pilot on employment in the Kokkola region, and across all TE Offices and municipalities involved in the employment pilot.

If you have already been a customer of the local government pilot on employment before May 2022, the service model change will not require you to take any immediate action. The next time you need to update your employment plan, your own responsible expert will agree with you on the number of jobs you need to apply for (up to four per month).

You can begin searching for employment by registering as a jobseeker . We will contact you once you do.

More support for jobseekers

In the new model, you will be able to discuss matters related to employment with an expert sooner than before. After the first session, the meetings will be more frequent and personalised, based on your specific situation.

Some meetings are arranged face-to-face at our offices or remotely. The aim is to provide you with the necessary support for job seeking. Your own responsible expert advises on your job search and provides suitable support services and considers the most suitable paths towards employment with you.

If your capabilities to look for work or be employed are found lacking, you will gain access to services quicker.

New job search obligation brings more personal initiative to job seeking

In order to receive unemployment benefit, you will still be required to look for a job. What is new is that, depending on your situation, you must apply for up to four jobs a month. This is assessed and agreed on a case-by-case basis in conjunction with preparing and updating your personal employment plan.

As a general rule, you get to choose the job opportunities for which to apply. The jobs you apply for must be ones that you would apply for anyway and that seem feasible to you.

You can complete the obligation in the following ways:

  • applying for vacancies, duration of work at least 2 weeks
  • applying for a job offer sent by the local government pilot on employment or the TE Office
  • applying for additional hours from your current employer (those in part- time employment)
  • applying for work as an entrepreneur (for example making offers to companies in bidding competitions, contacting potential customers)
  • publishing a job applicant profile on Työmarkkinatori (Job Market)
  • by enrolling in the jobseeker register of staffing service companies
  • creating and publishing an open application on Kuntarekry
  • sending open applications or contacting employers directly
  • applying for scholarships or grants
  • other activities related to seeking employment opportunities, for example making an introduction to LinkedIn Profile or other newer forms of job search.

Be sure to notify the local government pilot on employment about fulfilling your job search obligation by the due date on the E-services. You can do that by informing on your job search plan what actions you have taken.

If you do not notify the the local government pilot on employment of fulfilling your job search obligation by the due date, it may have a negative impact on your unemployment benefit.

It is important that you always report any changes in your situation to the local government pilot on employment. This may affect your job search obligation.

Reminders make it easier for jobseekers to fulfil their responsibilities

According to the principles of the new model, mandatory waiting periods, i.e. the non-remunerated periods, will be considerably reduced. The model also introduces reminders for jobseekers to make it easier for customers to comply with the jobseeker’s responsibilities

Key changes

  • You will receive more personalised support for your job search.
  • You will get to meet with your responsible expert sooner than before. After the first meeting, the support provided for your job search will be more intensive.
  • You will have more opportunities to influence your job search. As a rule, you will be able to decide the job opportunities you apply for and when to apply for them.
  • In order to receive unemployment benefit, you will still be required to look for a job. What is new is that, as a general rule, you must apply for four job opportunities per month.
  • If your capabilities to look for work or be employed are found lacking, you will gain access to services quicker.
  • Sanctions related to unemployment benefit will be staggered. In the first case of forgetfulness or neglect, you will receive a reminder, which will not affect the payment of unemployment benefits.