Tue, 29 May 2012
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Here is Expatica's guide to the current job market in Amsterdam, which is reflective of other major cities in the Netherlands.The Netherlands is among the richest countries in Europe. In the Netherlands, job market policy follows progressive trains of thought. There are numerous alternative work models to promote employment which contribute to making the unemployment rate in Netherlands among the lowest in Europe, with an average of less than five percent.
Part-time and temporary employment is common, and flexibility within work contracts is exemplary. In the Netherlands, as many as 75 percent of women work part-time, usually three to four days a week and two thirds of them don't have children--dispelling the myth that flexi-work is principally a choice of women with kids, Additionally, careful restraints with regard to rises in salary have led to a low employment rate in the Netherlands. The main industries are food processing, chemicals, and gas & oil. The most important sectors are property, transport, communications and financial services.
Being a foreigner can make it difficult to land the jobs that are available as many positions require you to speak Dutch. Also, there are restrictive regulations regarding employing foreigners. If you are looking for work in retail, restaurants and bars, or teaching foreign languages, the going is smoother. You can open opportunities by reacting to adverts in the newspaper, sending open application letters, or networking via friends and relatives. However, one of the best ways to find a job in the Netherlands is to go to a rectruitment agency.
Recruitment agencies are an important part of the Dutch labour market; almost all companies use the help of an agency to find suitable staff. Most agencies belong to an employer's federation (ABU or NBBU). They ensure that, under the Collective Labour Agreement for Temporary Workers (CAO), good employee benefits are being observed. Recruitment agencies are free of charge to candidates registering.
Social Security
There are three strands: National Insurance administered by the social insurance bank (www.svb.nl) which includes old age pension (AOW) and child benefit (AKW); Employee Insurance including unemployment benefit (WW see below), long-term disability (WAO, WIA) and sickness (ZW); and Social Assistance. Specific conditions apply to each benefit. Also, do check that your residence rights are not affected if you apply for benefits.
Your official documents will need to be in good order: Consult the Ministry of Social Affairs and Welfare website (www.szw.nl) for more information.
Petya Vetseva / Expatica
Expatica job search
Looking for work in Amsterdam and the rest of the Netherlands? Use Expatica Job Search to get there.
Ask the expert
Ask your questions on Dutch labour law, the job market and other labour-related topics via our Ask-the-expert section.under the 'employment' category.
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