The increasing flexibility in employment contracts is creating new vulnerable groups in society, according to the government’s policy advisory unit WRR.

Too much flexibility is leading to psychological problems such as stress and a lack of future perspective, as well as growing insecurity among young people who want to buy a home or start a family, the WRR report said.

In addition, the report said, too much flexibility could have an impact on the wider economy, if it leads to less innovation and education.

Around one third of the Dutch working population have a short term or flexible employment contract, the highest proportion in Europe.

The WRR says it does no consider a return to ‘how things used to be’ is either an option or desirable. However, the government should look at adapting the rules and setting a good example as an employer itself.

For example, the social security system could be adapted to reduce the difference in provisions for people on permanent and temporary contracts.