Stricter self-employment rules causing problems in healthcare

A law reinstating enforcement against false self-employment is creating significant problems in the healthcare sector, according to a survey conducted by professional association NU'91. The law, which took effect on January 1, has led to staffing gaps, increased workloads, and a worsening personnel shortage.

Under the law, employers who hire self-employed workers (zzp'ers) for jobs that should be classified as regular employment now face the risk of tax reassessments. While fines have not yet been imposed, businesses and organizations are preparing for possible penalties. As a result, employers are reducing or ceasing the use of zzp'ers altogether, NU'91 reported.

The survey, which polled 1,000 healthcare workers, found that 50 percent of respondents believe the law’s enforcement is negatively impacting care delivery. Additionally, 13 percent of respondents indicated they plan to leave the healthcare sector entirely.

Despite employers attempting to implement solutions such as hiring more full-time employees or using flexible workforce pools, these measures are reportedly still insufficient. Consequently, caregivers and nurses are bearing the brunt of what the organization calls a “thoughtless approach.”

"Every healthcare professional who leaves is one too many. We cannot afford this," said Femke Merel van Kooten, chairwoman of NU'91. "This puts the quality of care under pressure."

Van Kooten further criticized the belief that zzp'ers would transition into full-time employment as a result of the law's enforcement, calling it "an illusion." She pointed out that until the working conditions for healthcare professionals improve, the exodus from the sector will continue. "We must ensure that working in permanent positions becomes more attractive," she said.