Plans on drastic modification of Dutch dismissal law and the
Unemployment Insurance Act
Background and Importance of Reform Plan
On 18 June 2012, the Dutch Minister of Social Affairs and
Employment, Henk Kamp, sent a memorandum to the House of Parliament
in which he elaborated on the agreements made in the Spring
Agreement of the Dutch government with regard to dismissal law and
the Unemployment Insurance Act. The intention of these amendments
is a substantial reform of Dutch dismissal law. According to the
Minister, there is little occupational mobility in the Netherlands.
This applies especially to older employees and employees with a
permanent contract. This is closely connected to the great extent
of protection against dismissal enjoyed by these groups of
employees. On the other hand, workers with a flexible contract are
much less protected. In addition, on average they earn less, are
being trained less, and rely on social security more often. With
his
