Business
Chemical giant Dow to cut 605 jobs in the Netherlands
Chemical multinational Dow has announced plans to cut 605 jobs in the Netherlands as part of a sweeping global restructuring effort. The cuts represent more than one-fifth of the company's total Dutch workforce, primarily impacting its massive chemical manufacturing hub in Terneuzen. While management is entering consultations to find socially responsible solutions, the broader corporate strategy aims to increase profitability through automation and fewer management layers.
Business
More than half of job changers shift sectors
More than half of Dutch employees who switch jobs end up working in a different sector, according to new analysis by De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB). The degree of cross‑sector mobility varies sharply between industries, with waste & energy and culture & recreation showing the highest outflow.
Business
Gender pay gap legislation supported by firms – feasibility concerns loom
While companies broadly support a new law forcing businesses with over 100 employees to report on gender pay gaps from 2027, many are sounding warnings over increased red tape and privacy risks. Major employers agree that pay transparency boosts workplace satisfaction, but firms like PwC and Fastned urge that reporting must stay simple and include proper context, as raw numbers can obscure justified salary differences. Furthermore, accounting firm KPMG has raised concerns that the current proposal fails to fully protect employee privacy, threatening to expose individual salaries to colleagues.
Career
Netherlands proposes pay transparency rules from 2027
The Dutch government plans to introduce new pay transparency rules from 2027. Employees would gain access to salary information, while employers must report pay gaps. The proposal aims to reduce inequality, but still requires parliamentary approval.
Career
Trade union urges government to protect retail workers’ weekends
The Dutch trade union FNV has launched a campaign to protect retail workers from a potential extension of trading hours by the national government. The union warns that proposed changes to the Shop Hours Act could force staff, including delivery drivers and security guards, to work more evenings and weekends.
Business
ASML and trade unions reach agreement on social plan
ASML and major Dutch trade unions have reached an agreement on a social plan to support employees during the company’s current transformation. The plan focuses on preventing forced redundancies through internal redeployment, generous severance pay, and extended employment guarantees.
Business
ASML and unions agree on plan to limit job losses
ASML has secured a social plan with unions to protect staff during its upcoming management overhaul. Unexpected company growth and a focus on internal relocation mean fewer employees will lose their jobs than originally feared, while those leaving will receive robust financial and career support.
Career
Burnout related absences double among young Dutch workers
Recent data shows a sharp increase in psychological sick leave among Dutch workers aged 25 to 45, with burnout cases doubling since 2020. This expanded report explores the complex causes of this trend and outlines essential strategies for both businesses and individuals to foster long-term mental resilience.
Business
People aged 16 and over to receive a higher minimum wage
From January 2027, young workers aged 16 to 20 will benefit from a significant increase in the youth minimum wage as the government implements a long-standing plan to boost pay for younger age groups. Under the new rules, the percentage of the full adult wage that young people are entitled to will rise, with 17-year-olds reaching 50% and 19-year-olds receiving 75% of the statutory rate. While Minister Hans Vijlbrief acknowledged that businesses may face higher costs, he noted that the increase should help employers attract staff. The changes will also extend to vocational (MBO) students on work-study tracks, ensuring more consistent pay standards across the workforce.
Career
Hairdressers are increasingly working as independent entrepreneurs.
More hairdressers are moving towards self‑employment, according to new KVK figures. While the number of independent hairdressers continues to rise, the total number of salons has declined. Union representatives say pay, flexibility and work–life balance all influence this shift.
Career
Four Veldhoven councillors receive royal honours
Four dedicated local politicians in Veldhoven have been awarded royal honours for their extensive service to the community. The group includes some of the town's longest-serving representatives, ranging from experienced alderpeople to well-known local figures.