Friday, 22 November 2013 - 04:31
Criticism of plans for welfare grow
The criticism of the idea to ask people on welfare for a contribution is growing. Besides the FNV union, now also the Association of Dutch Municipalities (VNG), Divosa, and Alderman Van Es, oppose the plan of State Secretary Klijnsma.Klijnsma submitted a bill to the House. She believes people on welfare may be expected to make a socially useful contribution, which will also increase their chances of finding a job. The new guidelines would take effect July 1, next year.
job board
fairfaxcounty/Flickr The measures will not achieve the desired result, according to the VNG and Divosa. Divosa the Dutch association of municipal managers in the area of participation, employment, and income. According to the two parties the measures will only lead to unnecessary additional rules and coercion and limit the possibility for customization. The social services will be hindered in doing what they are set up to do; lead people back to the labor market. The Employment and Assistance Act is intended as a safety net for citizens who can not provide for themselves, according to the two parties. In March the VNG and Divosa have already strongly criticized the draft bill. The VNG further indicates that introduction on July 1, 2014 is not feasible. Municipalities will need an additional year before they can initiate the assistance plan. On a Divosa Congress Thursday, the Amsterdam alderman Van Es joined the VNG and Divosa in their criticism. In recent years welfare has been more of a trap, rather than a safety net, from which people have not been able to escape, according to Van Es. Van Es denounces mandatory volunteering as a contribution. People should focus on returning to paid labor and not perform mandatory services in return for receiving government assistance. FNV fears ordinary jobs may be negatively impacted by the obligations under the contract, performed by volunteers. The State Secretary, however, does not share that fear. 35 of the 408 Dutch municipalities have already voluntarily initiated the new system of mandatory contributions for people on welfare. Klijnsma commissioned a study of its practical implementation in those communities. The study concluded that many municipalities are positive about asking a contribution in return for welfare. Communities do experience difficulties finding enough activities for all benefit claimants. The study also showed the expectation of a contribution doesn't always come across as pleasant because of its mandatory character.
fairfaxcounty/Flickr The measures will not achieve the desired result, according to the VNG and Divosa. Divosa the Dutch association of municipal managers in the area of participation, employment, and income. According to the two parties the measures will only lead to unnecessary additional rules and coercion and limit the possibility for customization. The social services will be hindered in doing what they are set up to do; lead people back to the labor market. The Employment and Assistance Act is intended as a safety net for citizens who can not provide for themselves, according to the two parties. In March the VNG and Divosa have already strongly criticized the draft bill. The VNG further indicates that introduction on July 1, 2014 is not feasible. Municipalities will need an additional year before they can initiate the assistance plan. On a Divosa Congress Thursday, the Amsterdam alderman Van Es joined the VNG and Divosa in their criticism. In recent years welfare has been more of a trap, rather than a safety net, from which people have not been able to escape, according to Van Es. Van Es denounces mandatory volunteering as a contribution. People should focus on returning to paid labor and not perform mandatory services in return for receiving government assistance. FNV fears ordinary jobs may be negatively impacted by the obligations under the contract, performed by volunteers. The State Secretary, however, does not share that fear. 35 of the 408 Dutch municipalities have already voluntarily initiated the new system of mandatory contributions for people on welfare. Klijnsma commissioned a study of its practical implementation in those communities. The study concluded that many municipalities are positive about asking a contribution in return for welfare. Communities do experience difficulties finding enough activities for all benefit claimants. The study also showed the expectation of a contribution doesn't always come across as pleasant because of its mandatory character.
