Netherlands: partial unemployment benefits extended

Partial unemployment is the only special concrete measure taken by The Hague regarding employment to fight the impact of the crisis. No tax or other aids have been given to businesses. This system follows a working time reduction system implemented in the fall of 2008 for businesses facing a 30% drop in sales within two months (see our dispatch No. 081049). Enforced as a matter of urgency, this system, called “werktijdverkorting,” was working until March, for a total amount of €200 million. But when the crisis started to worsen in April, a similar partial unemployment system (deeltijd-WW) was established, with no requirement of dropping sales for businesses.
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

s), the €375 million planned for this year ran out by the end of June (see our dispatch No. 090669). Therefore, the Ministry of Social Affairs unfroze €175 million, and the government updated this system, which should keep applying for several months. The objective was to limit benefits: employers who have sent all their staff to partial unemployment for three months will only be entitled to the system for one additional quarter. This limit is brought to one year for 30-60% of the staff. Finall

Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
United Kingdom: Parliament finally passes Employment Rights Bill
The UK Labour government's flagship reform of employment rights was passed by both houses on 16 December after a turbulent parliamentary process. The bill introduces numerous changes to labour...
18 December 2025
EU: social partners in telecoms sign joint statement on AI
On 16 December, the social partners in Europe's telecommunications sector unveiled a joint statement on artificial intelligence. They propose an action plan for skills and commit to raising...
18 December 2025
EU: MEPs demand directive on algorithmic management
Members of the European Parliament have called for a directive on algorithmic management. Such legislation would introduce obligations for companies to inform employees, assess health and safety...
17 December 2025
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
Spain: new terms and conditions for in-company training contracts
On 25 November, Spain's Council of Ministers approved a regulation on training contracts. This text defines the terms and conditions for hosting work-study students and interns doing professional...
2
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
3
Germany: apprenticeship openings fall sharply in manufacturing and chemicals
From 1 January 2026, Dutch collective agreements for temporary employment agencies will alter the employment conditions of temp workers. Agencies will be required to pay these workers at least the...