News item | 14-07-2022 | 11:59
The internet consultation on the bill for the certification system for employment agencies started on Thursday 14 July 2022. Anyone can comment on the bill. The internet consultation will run until August 25, 2022.
Rogue employment agencies circumvent rules and abuse vulnerable people, including many migrant workers. This leads to distressing situations, underpayment, poor housing and poor working conditions. Violating the rules also provides them with a financial advantage: they are cheaper than companies that take good care of their staff. To combat these abuses, the government will set up a mandatory certification system for employment agencies.
Certification system has multiple goals
The mandatory certification system has several goals. First of all, the government wants to better protect the position of the workforce. It is paramount that a group of employers deal well with workers in temporary employment situations (including labor migrants). But the bad situations, in which too many workers find themselves in temporary employment situations, must be stopped as soon as possible. In addition, the cabinet wants to guarantee a level playing field for employment agencies. Among other things, by ensuring that parties that do not comply with the rules are banned from the market.
Requirements certificate
In order to be eligible for a certificate, an employment agency must demonstrate that it adheres to the rules. Employment agencies are periodically checked for, among other things, payment of the correct wage and the correct filing of tax returns. Employment agencies must also have a certificate of good conduct (VOG), pay a deposit of € 100,000 and offer certified housing. If an employment agency loses its certificate, it is no longer allowed to operate on the market.
Cooperation between government and social partners
In developing the certification system, the government has worked closely with social partners from the Labor Foundation and the temporary employment sector. The system will become public-private, with the social partners being given a role in the implementation of the system. The Dutch Labor Inspectorate will monitor compliance with the certification obligation and a structural budget of €10.5 million will be allocated for this. There are currently about 15,000 employment agencies in the Netherlands and the certification obligation is expected to apply from 2025.
Respond to the internet consultation until August 25, 2022
The certification scheme is now online for public internet consultation. Anyone who wishes can respond and give their opinion on the regulations via the internet consultation on the bill for the certification system for employment agencies†
After the response period has closed, the input is weighed and processed in the draft amendment decision and the draft amendment regulation and the further legislative process is completed.