Can I take sick leave on my own notice in Finland?
If your workplace practice allows it — the law itself knows no self-notice. Calling in sick without a certificate (typically 1–3 days for flu-type illness) is based on the collective agreement or employer policy, not statute — an employer may require a doctor's certificate from day one. Sick pay, however, is statutory: full pay for the day you fall ill plus the following 9 weekdays once employment has lasted a month (50% in shorter relationships). After that, Kela's sickness allowance takes over.
📋 The rules
- Self-notice practice (1–3 days without a certificate) comes from the collective agreement or company policy — employers may also demand a certificate from the first day.
- Statutory sick pay: full pay for the day of falling ill + the following 9 weekdays after at least a month of employment; 50% in shorter employment.
- Illness must be reported to the employer without delay — failing to report can stop pay and ground a warning.
- After the 9 weekdays, Kela's sickness allowance carries on (waiting period + application) — many collective agreements extend employer-paid periods.
- Sick leave is for recovering: travelling or gig work during it can breach your duties if it slows recovery.
🔓 Exceptions
- For a sick child under 10 you may take temporary care leave of up to 4 working days — pay depends on the collective agreement.
- With suspiciously repeating self-notices the employer may justifiably return to requiring certificates — applied even-handedly.
⚠️ Penalties
Unjustified absence or false notice breaches work duties: a warning, and repeated, grounds for termination. Unpaid statutory sick pay is collected with penalty interest — unions and occupational safety authorities help in disputes.
📎 Sources
- Finlex · Employment Contracts Act 55/2001 (ch. 2 s. 11) →
- Kela · Sickness allowance →
- Occupational Safety Administration · Sick pay →
❓ Frequently asked questions
How many days can I self-report?
The law sets none — typical workplace practice is 1–3 days for short illnesses. Check your agreement and policy; without one, a certificate can be required immediately.
Is sick leave paid?
Yes: full pay for the day of illness and the following 9 weekdays (employment ≥1 month). Then Kela's allowance — many agreements extend employer pay.
Can a certificate be required for one day?
Yes — certificate practice is the employer's to set, as long as it's even-handed and non-discriminatory.
Can I go to the shop while on sick leave?
Yes — sick leave isn't house arrest. What matters is that your activity doesn't slow recovery or contradict the illness.
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