Nice. Assuming that these jobs would be offered (since you can't just "take" a job that isn't offered to you), this would definitely ensure that the UWV will never have to worry about the headache of giving out job seeker allowances because one would never qualify ever. And the headache of coming up with long-term solutions like retraining, etc.

Of course, society have the headache of dealing with people with no income in between jobs and being unable to pay the rent or utilities or get a mortgage, and ever-growing waiting lists for social housing, but meh. Who cares?

By CW | August 5, 2010 7:16 PM

CW appears to be confusing 2 seperate issues. OK there are housing problems( both price & availability) but that's not what this article is about.

I agree that the unemployed should take any reasonable job offer, but who decides if it's reasonable?
There are several isseus here, 1: someone in work is paying taxes into the system rather than taking money out.
2: There is a minority who don't want to work. I've worked with some young guys who said they would never work through uitzendbureaus, only a fast concontract.
Then go on benefits for 6 months at a time.
3: Surveys have shown that employers are more likely to take someone who is already in work as they show willingness to work, even if that is not their ideal job.
4: There are people who cannot work for health or other reasons & the system should be about protecting them & allowing them a decent quality of life.
So I agree completely with the UWV, their going the right way. I get very angry that my taxes are paying for people who simply don't want to work!

By Donaugh | August 6, 2010 11:28 AM