The government is planning to make changes to draft legislation bringing in compulsory sick pay insurance for freelancers, the Financieele Dagblad reported on Thursday.

The plans have been heavily criticised by freelancer organisations and, sources told the paper, officials are now looking at weakening the proposals.

In particular, the waiting period before the insurance kicks in may be stretched from one to two years, which would cut premiums from around 6.5% of annual profit to 5.4%, the sources said. A hybrid scheme may also be introduced for part-time freelancers who have a regular job.

Research has shown that some 75% of freelancers do not have sufficient insurance to cover themselves if they become unable to work.

The draft legislation still has to be finalised and approved by the cabinet, after which it will be sent to the Council of State advisory body for its recommendations.

The state benefits agency UWV, which will administer the scheme, expects it will be 2030 before the scheme becomes a reality.