CMNT_TITLE

Invalidity, Old-Age and Survivors' Benefits Convention, 1967 (No. 128) - Finland (RATIFICATION: 1976)

Other comments on C128

Observation

Direct Request

Replies received to the issues raised in a direct request which do not give rise to further comments

2019

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Article 13 of the Convention (read in conjunction with Article 32). Introduction of active labour market policies for beneficiaries of disability pensions. The Committee notes that, in 2009, a workbank pilot was established aiming at finding employment for persons at a potential disadvantage in the labour market, such as partially disabled persons and the long-term unemployed. Workers have an employment relationship with the workbank, which then hires the workers out to enterprises and communities. The periods during which workers are not occupied are used for education and training purposes. The Committee also notes the concomitant adoption of a provisional Act promoting the return to work from disability pension (738/2009), in force from 2010 to 2013 at which stage the impact of the provisional act will be assessed. The Government indicates that the provisional Act makes it easier to suspend the disability pension and raised the maximum limit of earnings permitted during the payment of disability pension, offering better opportunities for low-income retirees only living on a pension to engage in and try gainful employment. Thus, a beneficiary of full disability pension may perceive an income up to 40 per cent (subject to a maximum of €714 per month) of his/her previous earnings without losing full pension rights. The Committee takes due note of this information and would be grateful if the Government would provide information in its next report on the results of the assessment of these measures indicating the extent to which they contributed to improve suitable employment opportunities for disabled persons as envisaged by the above provisions of the Convention.