The Dutch labor market continues to suffer from persistent labor shortages. To tackle the labor shortage, 35 Work Centers will be established throughout the country. In a work center, government agencies will collaborate with UWV, municipalities, the business community, trade unions and educational organizations to strengthen the regional labor market.
These work centers will serve as central counters where both job seekers and companies can go for help in finding work or personnel. The decision was made because good experiences have been gained at work centers that are already functioning in our country, such as in South Limburg or in the Rijnmond region.
One stop shop for questions about work
The Work Centers are designed to act as a single point of contact where people can go with various requests for help. Minister Van Gennip (SZW) emphasizes the importance of these centers in the labor market for companies to be able to do business optimally and for job seekers because work contributes to equal opportunities.
According to Minister Schouten (Pensions and Poverty Policy), the Work Centers are not only intended to help job seekers find a job, but also to build a bridge to appropriate training and supported employment. Because the Work Centers bring all necessary services together under one roof, so that agencies can work with the job seeker to find the best step towards work.
A Work Center in every labor market region
Eight regions currently have a Work Center. There are often various counters in other places, 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. The intention is that everyone can go there for support without an appointment, regardless of their request for help or benefits.
