Netherlands: for the first time, government exempts laid off employees from looking for a job

On May 27, the government decided to be generous with the 65 employees of Teha, a wood transformation factory severely hit by the crisis. This is a first in the Netherlands: in spite of the fact that they were laid off, for one year, these employees won't have to look for a job, which is usually imposed by the unemployment insurance (UWV), which pays for compensation. Aware of how hard it will be for these workers to reclassify, the government wants to allow Teha to re-employ its workers in one year, if the economy resumes. This decision also shows the limits of the new partial unemployment system. (Ref. 090588)
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Other businesses could step into this open breach, even though Teha is considered as an exception. This is the first time in the Netherlands a collective exemption from looking for a job has been granted. It was already done, but on an individual basis, for employees with personal reasons. The 65 employees concerned may attend training courses or work for temp agencies, or even find a job elsewhere if they wish. However, the UWV thinks that last option is highly unlikely, in a construction sect

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