WORKING AND LIVING IN THE NETHERLANDS Hannie Eilers Eures Adviser

The Netherlands Km2 Inhabitants > 16 mil Average density of population: per km per km 2 in Randstad!

The PES&EURES/district

Centre for Work and Income Public Employment Services Registration unemployed (passport/sofinr.) - (E intake) Welfare benefits (E forms) Search for work and mediation Knowledge of local labourmarket Advise on reintegration processes Active Eures partner

The Netherlands?

Political structure Constitutional monarchy Two chambers in Parliament Many political parties Elections every 4 year Three levels: –National – Provincial – Local

Social structure ResidentsEmployees Social benefits –Depending on domestic situation General old age pensions Widows/widowers/ orphans Child benefits Health insurance Sickness benefits Unemployment benefits Disablements benefits

Employers federations Private organisations of employers Sector bound Partner in discussions with government and trade unions (social partners) Negotiators collective labour agreements (CAO)

Present situation Still growing economy Low rate of unemployment unemployed (4.4 %) 10.9 % unemployed between years old

The North Rural Tourism Education (Leeuwarden, Groningen) Transport Retail

The East Rural Administration Tourism Education (Enschede) Transport Retail Care

The South Rural Industry in Brabant Administration Construction Tourism Education (Maastricht) Transport Retail Care

The West (Randstad) Highly industrialized Harbors, Airports Highest number of jobs Education (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Leiden, Delft) Urban agglomeration

The near future Up to 2010 yearly growth of 2.25 % Decrease in jobs in: Agriculture Metal and industry (partly) Electronics Chemistry

The near future 2 Young people choose blue collar Shortage of craftsmen Demographic developments Need for: plumbers, welders, carpenters, construction workers, gardeners, fitters, motor mechanics, commercial sales representatives, hotel and restaurant staff (cooks!)

Living and Working – Registration Obtain a sofi-number (BSN or fiscal number) at tax office. Check for addresses: Suggestion: Visit (im)migration counter (GBA) of the Civil Affairs Department (Burgerzaken) at you local council. 6 months to find work in the Netherlands

E-forms E301 leaving Holland? Issued by UWV check with local office. Application for unemployment benefits? registration with E301 at CWI of your residence. E303 / E119 should be taken to CWI of your residence as soon as possible after arrival in the Netherlands.

How to find a job? Personal contacts Newspapers Public Employment Service / CWI Internet (incl EU-site) Speculative applications common and successful Temporary Work Agencies!

Temporary work agencies Widespread in Holland Special Legislation How to inscribe? –CV –Sofi number/ BSN number –Bank account –For free More information:

Contracts? Temporary labour contract Permanent labour contract Contract with an agency More information:

Wages Legal minimum wage –Depending on age years old: lower percentage 23 and up: fixed minimum wage CAO Collective Labour Agreement –For different sectors of industry –Counts for all workers in the company Individual agreement

How to apply Letter of motivation accompanied by cv Telephone (be sure you always sent your application by post as well) If invited for an interview check culture company

Housing For sale: Prices depend on the location –Randstad: very expensive –Less crowded: less expensive Rented houses: Availability depends on the location –Randstad: very rare –Less crowded: easier available

Usefull Websites (site PES Holland) Working in the Netherlands Taxeshttp:// Social Securityhttp://

Cultural differences Individual Open minded Informal Hardworking Humour Direct Tolerant

QUESTIONS? C U in the Netherlands Thank you for your attention!