A 45-year-old welfare benefit claimant from Amsterdam has been told by judges that a formal reintegration programme to help him find work cannot be considered forced labour.

The man had refused to take the course, arguing it would break laws banning compulsory work. The council consequently cut his benefits.
The court said the reintegration programme can not be considered forced labour because there is no physical or mental compulsion.
The man had been claiming welfare benefits for 18 years when council first took action against him in 2006.