Netherlands: Government proposes job retention scheme to tackle crises

The news. The Dutch Council of Ministers unveiled a bill on 24 April designed to support companies facing an exogenous crisis that results in an activity downturn of at least 20% over a two-month period.

The stakes. The government aims to provide employers with options to maximise employee retention during crises, such as widespread power outages, pandemics, or exceptional weather conditions. The proposed mechanism hinges on a shared contribution between the State, the employer, and the employee