Netherlands set to miss target of 125,000 disabled workers; Fines possible from 2027
The Netherlands is set to miss a long-standing target of creating 125,000 extra jobs for people with a labor disability by early 2026, NU.nl reports. Only about 92,000 positions have been filled as of early July.
Final figures are due after the summer, but the goal appears virtually certain to remain out of reach. Employers with 25 or more workers who fail to meet hiring obligations risk an inclusivity surcharge — a fine — starting as early as 2027.
The target was locked into the 2013 Social Accord as a hard agreement. It required extra workplaces for people with an illness or handicap, with companies receiving compensation. Those positions were supposed to be in place at businesses and government organizations by the start of 2026.
The Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment reported in early July that the agreement had produced more than 92,000 extra jobs. Minister Thierry Aartsen, responsible for work and participation, will send the definitive results to parliament in a letter after the summer. He will also outline further steps to boost labor participation among people with limitations.
Under the arrangement, companies with 25 or more employees must hire people with a labor disability. Those that fall short face the inclusivity surcharge no earlier than 2027.
Employers that exceed expectations can receive a bonus. Before the full law change takes effect, the cabinet and social partners—employer and employee organizations—must still reach agreement on the quota regulation.
An FNV spokeswoman said the shortfall comes as no surprise because the number of realized workplaces has lagged behind targets for years. The union is glad about the more than 92,000 jobs but had hoped the agreed total of 125,000 would be reached or surpassed. “There are thus too many people on the sidelines,” she said.
The FNV first proposed plans to raise the job numbers in 2020 and issued an updated version in 2024 that called the results “a dismal picture.” It also urged extra investments. According to the spokeswoman, the ministry showed interest, “but then the political means in The Hague are lacking to raise that extra budget.”
CNV took a more upbeat view. A spokeswoman said the union is “pleased” that 92,000 workplaces have been created but stressed the work is not finished. “As far as we’re concerned, employers and the government must put their shoulders to it to still achieve those 125,000 jobs.”
The general employers’ association AWVN described the outcome as “a substantial number of jobs.” Spokesman Jannes van der Velde said: “The scheme is unnecessarily complicated, so it’s already quite difficult for employers.”
