News item | 15-09-2022 | 09:40
In the coming years, the Netherlands will receive more than 400 million euros from the European Social Fund to support people with a vulnerable labor market position and to combat poverty. The European Commission has approved the program of the Netherlands.
The subsidies from the European Social Fund are intended, among other things, for retraining and further training of workers and to help people on benefits find a job or to support them towards work. A large part, 270 million in total, will go to municipalities in the 35 labor market regions and to sector funds. Responsible Minister Carola Schouten (Poverty Policy, Participation and Pensions) is for the first time also making European resources available for food aid, material support and combating child poverty.
Minister Schouten: “With the resources we can strengthen people’s livelihoods by offering them the prospect of work or a job with a better perspective. We help employers to fill their vacancies. We also ensure an adequate supply of food for people who are struggling and we help children who grow up in poverty. These resources are very welcome, especially in this time, when an increasing number of people are experiencing difficulties due to rising prices. They support our national goals and efforts, such as being able to participate equally in the labor market and in society.”
In many sectors, employers are faced with increasing staff shortages, which prevent companies from running at full capacity. Yet there are still many people on the side who would like to get started and who can contribute. They receive support from municipalities to move towards a job. Where necessary, workers receive resources from sector funds for further training and other support, for example guidance towards (other) work.
food aid
The current high inflation increases the risk of poverty. People who cannot make it financially can temporarily call on food banks and emergency funds for support. For the first time, the Netherlands will use European resources to guarantee the food supply for people who are temporarily dependent on it. It concerns an amount of almost 16 million euros. The resources can also partly go to material support, for example school supplies for children and menstrual products and other toiletries. Aid must always be accompanied by accompanying measures that promote participation in society. The party that receives the subsidy must also develop actions and activities to help children growing up in families with little money. This may concern matters such as providing sportswear or toys.
The money from the European Social Fund is for the period up to and including 2027. Parties can submit subsidy applications from next month. The food aid budget is expected to be deployed from the beginning of next year.