The new fund will begin operations on 1 January 2026 under the name Unemployment Fund Ote. Unemployment Fund Ote will be Finland’s fourth-largest unemployment fund, with approximately 196,000 highly educated members.

“Unemployment Fund Ote provides income-related unemployment security for all highly educated employees. By merging two financially sound unemployment funds, we can continue to ensure excellent service for our members and develop the fund’s operations. A multidisciplinary fund helps balance fluctuations in unemployment between sectors, and a broader membership base brings greater stability”, says Pasi Pesonen, Chair of the Board of the Unemployment Fund for Education and Science.

Unemployment Fund Ote collaborates with 19 trade unions and background organisations.

“Unemployment Fund Ote will provide affordable unemployment security for members affiliated with Akava. Cooperation with Akava unions ensures the best possible protection for our shared members in the event of unemployment”, says Salla Luomanmäki, Chair of the Board of the Unemployment Fund for Higher Educated Employees (Erko).

The merger requires no action from current members of the founding funds. Membership will automatically transfer to Unemployment Fund Ote, and there will be no changes to members’ unemployment security or benefit payments as a result.

Unemployment Fund Ote will be open to highly educated wage earners across sectors. The fund will manage the payment of income-related unemployment benefits to its members.

Further information:
Eero T. Anttila, Director, Unemployment Fund for Higher Educated Employees (Erko), +358 40 575 1180
Jenni Korkeaoja, Director, Unemployment Fund for Education and Science, +358 40 846 7511