Cabinet invests in Work Centers throughout the Netherlands – Eemskrant.nl

The Netherlands – It is important that people and companies know where they can get help in their search for a job or personnel, especially given the personnel shortages on the labor market. The government is therefore investing in Work Centers throughout the Netherlands. A Work Center is a single point of contact in the area where you can go with various assistance questions. An additional 86 million euros will be reserved for this in the coming years. Minister Van Gennip of Social Affairs and Employment and Minister Schouten of Poverty Policy, Participation and Pensions, also on behalf of Minister Adriaansens of Economic Affairs and Climate, Minister Dijkgraaf of Education, Culture and Science and Minister Paul of Primary and Secondary Education, wrote this in a letter. to the House of Representatives.

Minister Van Gennip: “We really need each other in the labor market. This applies to people who are still on the sidelines or are in danger of losing their jobs, but also to employers who are looking for staff. Work brings people into contact with each other and contributes to equal opportunities. It is vital that entrepreneurs know how to find talent. That is why we are ensuring that there will soon be a single point of contact in every region where people or companies can turn if they need help.”

Minister Schouten: “Work ensures that you can use your talents and expand your social network. This can be a regular job, but also work under supervision in an adapted workplace. Or, for example, by combining working and learning. Job centers bring all these services together under one roof and work with the job seeker to determine the best step towards work. So that everyone can participate in the labor market to the best of their ability.”

One counter per region
There are currently eight regions with a Work Center, in which government agencies, UWV, municipalities, businesses, trade unions and educational organizations work together. There are often various counters in other places in the Netherlands, such as regional mobility teams, Employer Service Points and Apprenticeship Counters. As a result, the services are not well coordinated and people do not always know where to go.

The government wants a Work Center to be established in all 35 labor market regions, so that people and companies throughout the Netherlands know where they can turn for work, the right training or suitable personnel. Everyone can go here without an appointment and receive support, regardless of their request for help or benefits.

With the investments in Work Centers, the government is ensuring a better match between supply and demand on the labor market. The measures are part of the package of reforms for the labor market that Minister Van Gennip presented last spring.