The head of the Dutch small and medium-sized firms’ association MKB is ‘very disappointed’ in the cabinet and will not take part in any more attempts to reach a broad agreement on important issues, the Financieele Dagblad reports on Tuesday.

Hans Biesheuvel told the paper he regretted having worked with unions, other employers’ organisations and ministers on a ‘social accord’ to try to encourage growth and reduce the budget deficit to within eurozone limits.

‘We agreed a deal that the €4.3bn austerity package would be put on hold but last week the cabinet said there would be cuts, and cuts totalling €6bn,’ he said. ‘I consider that a slap in the face.’

Some 80% of employers voted for the right-wing VVD at the last election. ‘The cabinet is doing nothing to restore public and corporate confidence in the economy,’ he said. ‘It is fixated on the 3% budget deficit.’