The unemployment benefit systems were established at quite different times in the various European countries. In the new Member States, these systems are a fairly recent phenomenon. In some countries, the role of employees and employers in the system has remained of major importance, while in others
For years, ongoing computerisation across society has shrunk the postal market (TN0712017S [1]). Nonetheless, this market was deregulated completely in the Netherlands with effect from 1 April 2009. However, the cabinet only agreed to this on condition that the new entrants, Sandd and SelektMail
On average, the economic crisis had a limited impact on collective wage increases in the Netherlands in 2009. However, considering the wage increases on a quarterly basis produces a different picture. While collectively agreed wages were still 3.7% higher in the first quarter of 2009, they had
In April 2005, the Netherlands' tripartite Social and Economic Council (SER) issued a unanimous recommendation, requested by the government, on reform of the Unemployment Insurance Act (WW). Subsequently, the government announced that it would be implementing the recommendation. virtually in its
In recent years, labour market developments have altered the demand for labour. Increasingly, employers are looking for adaptable workers, with more 'transversal' and 'relational' competences. The nature of skills required to be considered efficient in a job has thus evolved. In this situation
On 18 February 2005, the Social and Economic Council issued a unanimous recommendation on the simplification of the Working Hours Act. The basic premise is to combine a good level of protection with sufficient space for flexibility.
In December 2004, the Lower House of the Dutch parliament adopted a legislative proposal that amends the manner in which occupational health services are organised. There will be far-reaching liberalisation of the occupational health services market, with employee participation playing a central
In October 2004, the Dutch government asked the tripartite Social and Economic Council (SER) to issue a recommendation on suggested changes to the 1998 Working Conditions Act, which governs health and safety at work. The government's premise is that primary responsibility for ensuring good working
The Dutch government and the social partners concluded a new 'social agreement' on 5 November 2004, against a background of wide-scale trade union protests. The 'autumn agreement' contains an almost complete socio-economic agenda for the years ahead, covering topical issues such as early retirement
Consultations between the government and the social partners in May-June 2004 came unstuck (NL0407101N [1]) on the issue of early retirement and a proposed 'life-span leave' scheme (levensloopregeling) enabling workers greater scope to save and manage periods of time off over their careers
In autumn 2003, as part of a deal that included a pay freeze for 2004-5, the Dutch government and social partners agreed to talks over the former's proposals for new arrangements for early retirement and a 'life-span regulation', enabling workers greater scope to save and manage periods of time off