The government’s labour market reform package was voted through the upper house of parliament, or senate, on Tuesday with a large majority.

The changes mean that from July 1 2015 it will be easier and cheaper to sack staff.

Unemployment benefit (ww) entitlement will be slashed from three years to two years from January 1 2016. The unemployed will also have to accept a job beneath their level after six months.

There will also be more rights for flexible workers.

Pleased

Social affairs minister Lodewijk Asscher told the media he pleased his radical reforms achieved majority support. Coalition partners VVD and Labour were joined by D66, the Christian Democrats, GroenLinks and the two small Christian parties CU and SGP in voting for the reforms.

The government hopes the package will cut treasury spending by €1.1bn.