News item | 07-07-2022 | 15:02
The number of jobs realized within the job agreement is lagging behind the target. This is apparent from the total figures for 2021. Time to give the job agreement a boost and look at expanding the target group. Minister Schouten writes this in her letter to the House of Representatives today.
Together we want an inclusive labor market in which people with an occupational disability participate fully. We are familiar with the job agreement for those who can get a job with a regular employer with a helping hand. An agreement between the social partners and the cabinet to create 125,000 extra jobs by 2025. In 2021, the target number that had to be realized at that time, 60,000 for market employers and 20,000 extra jobs for the government compared to the baseline, was not achieved. The counter stood at 72,809 additional jobs in 2021, of which 60,966 from the market and 11,842 from the government.
Minister Schouten: “The main thing is that every extra job is an extra chance of work with a regular employer. Therefore my compliments to all employers for their valuable contribution. But the numbers, the total and specific from the government, are lagging behind and that is very disappointing. The government has an exemplary role and it is therefore extra important that more jobs are created within the government.”
Together with the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, as the coordinating ministry for government efforts, Minister Schouten is committed to creating extra jobs. For example, a central method of financing will be set up at ministries for the creation of extra jobs for people from the job agreement target group (with which a maximum of 400 additional jobs can be created this year). In 2023, about 500 more jobs will be added. The aim is also to create jobs through Social Return.
Increase target group job agreement
Currently, only people with an occupational disability who are in the target group register count towards the number of jobs in the job agreement. Those who do have an occupational disability, but who are not in the register, are therefore less likely to be selected by employers.
That is of course inexplicable. That is why we are starting an investigation into which people who are not currently in the register would benefit from the help from the job agreement. And I am committed to better information about what is already possible. Let’s jointly ensure that we give people with an occupational disability all the opportunities that are available. Above all, let’s not impose any restrictions on that, says Schouten.