Over 65s still have right-to-work: Deputy PM

The Dutch parliament will consider adopting a law that would make it easier for individuals aged 65 and above to work after they start receiving the state pension. The bill was proposed to the Tweede Kamer, the lower house of Parliament, on Thursday by Minister of Social Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister Lodewijk Asscher. It is likely to receive broad support from even from opposition MPs, reports NRC. Currently, many employees subject to certain collective agreements are automatically dismissed when they reach 65 years of age. The bill in consideration would reduce the associated employment costs of elderly workers. Under the new bill, the period of paid sick leave for elderly workers is slashed from two years to six weeks, which reduces employment risks for companies. The reduced term of leave is debated by the socialist party and labour unions, who believe the six week period to be far too short. Workers of above 65 are likely to be cheaper for potential employers, since most employee insurance premiums do not apply in their case. That makes them more satisfied with lower nominal salaries, since they retain a larger proportion of it, the NRC says. Simultaneously, the bill entitles elderly workers to the national minimum wage, which currently does not apply to them.