Netherlands: Disability Employment Guide
Legal Framework
Participatiewet (Participation Act)
Since 2015, municipalities are responsible for helping people with work-limiting conditions find employment.
Wet banenafspraak (Jobs Agreement Act)
Agreement between government and employers to create 125,000 jobs for people with disabilities.
Employer Incentives
Loonkostensubsidie (Wage Cost Subsidy)
- Compensates for reduced productivity
- Up to 70% of minimum wage
- Reassessed periodically
Proefplaatsing (Trial Placement)
- Try an employee for up to 2 months
- No wage costs during trial
- Benefits continue for employee
No-risk Polis
Employer is not liable for sickness benefits if:
- Employee was receiving disability benefits
- Employee becomes ill within 5 years
- UWV pays sickness benefits instead