Trade union group FNV has written to social affairs minister Lodewijk Asscher urging him to join unions, employers and the state benefits agency UWV in working out a plan of campaign to restart the economy.

A joint approach is essential to create new jobs and ensure enough people are available for sectors where shortages loom, such as healthcare.
One aspect of this would be a hard line on flexible contracts and ensuring companies do not use ‘tricks’ like payrolling to avoid paying staff proper wages and sick pay.
‘These constructions are used to pay people less, get round job protection laws and cut tax and premium payments,’ the letter, which is in the hands of website nu.nl.
Temporary jobs
For example, flower firm Sierafor has recently been given official permission to sack its 37 permanent staff and replace them with Polish temporary workers who are not covered by the sector’s pay deal and are not paid extra for overtime and evening work, the union said.
Not only are temporary workers being exploited and misled, but the system encourages unfair competition.
On Monday it emerged Labour MPs are to call on the government to stop companies employing workers through payroll companies, saying the system is being used to get round formal pay and conditions agreements.
Mariëtte Hamer will call on social affairs minister Lodewijk Asscher to take steps to combat the growth of payrolling during this week’s debate on his ministry’s budget.