News item | 24-04-2026 | 09:02
More than one in three completely rejected people who participated in a trial still managed to find work. They received help from UWV in finding a job. The need for this service appears to be great; UWV supported more people than expected.
Minister Thierry Aartsen (Work and Participation): ‘Everyone has talent. And everyone can participate. This experiment shows that in a very clear way. So let’s not write these people off, but rather see whether, with support, we can still find a place for them in our labor market.’
Trial
Since 2022, with the permission of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment, UWV has offered approximately 4,000 people who are completely and permanently incapacitated for work services with the aim of reintegration. UWV has no legal task to support these employees in finding work, but conversations with clients showed that some people did have a need for this.
More than a third found work. This is special because on paper they cannot work and therefore have no reintegration obligation. It appears that many people lose their jobs again in the long run. As the experiment continues, it will become clear whether this will remain the case or whether people will find work again.
The need for services is great among this group. Every month, approximately 120 people with Wajong or IVA benefits report for support. The evaluation shows that the participants are highly motivated and experience personal growth and development through reintegration. Some hope to receive a higher income by working.
Follow-up
The experiment will run until 2028. There is currently no budget to continue it. This means that UWV cannot purchase services for new applicants after this year. In view of the positive results, Minister Aartsen wants to look at options to support this group into work in the future. He will discuss this with UWV.
