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.
Business
ASML CEO Fouquet calls on Prime Minister Jetten
Prime Minister Rob Jetten has met with ASML CEO Christophe Fouquet to discuss the future of the Dutch semiconductor industry. The talks focused on maintaining a world-class business climate and the strategic importance of the Eindhoven region.
Career
Unilever job security remains uncertain
Unilever has reached a multi-billion pound agreement to sell its food division to the American company McCormick. While the move aims to integrate global research and production, it has raised questions about the future of 1,000 employees in the Netherlands. Trade unions are currently seeking further details on how the merger will affect specific roles within the Rotterdam headquarters.
Career
Cabinet wants to make doctoral degrees possible at the higher professional education level
The Dutch government plans to introduce new doctoral degrees for practice‑based research at universities of applied sciences. The proposal includes two new titles and aims to give existing pilot programmes official status. If approved, the first candidates could begin in 2027.
Business
Vocational students (MBO) to receive 500 euro laptop vouchers
Six vocational colleges in the southern Netherlands are offering 500 euro vouchers to help new engineering and technology students buy necessary laptops. The initiative is part of a wider national plan to train thousands of new professionals for the growing microchip industry. This financial support aims to remove barriers for students entering a sector with a high demand for skilled workers.
Business
Philips leads medical technology patent filings in Europe
Philips has maintained its position as the top Dutch applicant at the European Patent Office, leading the way in medical technology. The company filed over 1,200 patents in 2025, focusing heavily on AI-driven healthcare solutions and sustainable diagnostic imaging. These innovations are part of a broader goal to improve billions of lives globally by the end of the decade.
Business
ASML Walkout: Reorganisation and employees’ sentiment
ASML employees in Veldhoven have protested against 1,700 planned job cuts worldwide. Despite record financial results, unions and staff remain concerned about how the reorganization will affect job security and product quality. The dispute continues as workers call for management to reconsider the scale of the layoffs and the use of external contractors.
Business
How to navigate job contracts in the Netherlands?
Don’t let contract complexity stand in the way of your research. Whether you are navigating the transition from a PhD to a Postdoc or seeking clarity on your rights under the Dutch CAO, Counselr is here to help.
Career
236 asylum seekers train for roles in microchip industry
A new initiative in the Brainport region is training hundreds of asylum seekers for high-demand jobs in the local semiconductor industry. The program combines technical skills with specialized language coaching to help newcomers fill thousands of vacancies in the thriving Brainport region.