Citizens' move seeking activation model abolition rejected

The Social Affairs and Health Committee on Wednesday rejected a citizens' initiative proposing the abolition of the activation model, said the parliament in a press release.

The Committee chaired by Krista Kiuru based its decision on the fact that some of the shortcomings of the activation model have already been addressed. The committee also added that the model has been further developed after its initial entry in force to provide the unemployed with various means of demonstrating activation.

From the beginning of 2019, an unemployed person is able to demonstrate their activity through short term studies lasting up to six months. The studies must be such that they provide vocational skills and support entrepreneurship.

The committee, however, said it is important to continuously monitor the effects of the activation model on the status of the unemployed and the employment situation. The committee added that the effectiveness of the model is also to be assessed to achieve the original goals of reducing unemployment and promoting employment.

According to Finnish language daily Kaleva, the citizens’ initiative, which called for the abolition of the active model, is the second most popular citizens' initiative in history. It collected 140,994 signatures.

The Social Affairs and Health Committee deals with matters relating to social welfare and health care, social insurance, fees for social welfare and health care services, pension legislation, and environmental health care.