Uitzendbanen

Uitzendbanen are temporary or short-term job placements arranged through uitzendbureaus (staffing agencies) that place workers at client companies for a limited period. In the Netherlands, these positions are typically organized so that the worker remains employed by the uitzendbureau while performing work at the client’s site.

How it works: a job seeker registers with an uitzendbureau, supplies a CV and skills profile, and the bureau matches the candidate with available vacancies. If a match is found, the worker is assigned to a client company for a defined period, often from a day to several months. The worker’s employment contract is with the uitzendbureau, which handles payroll, taxes, social contributions, and usually holiday pay. The client company pays the bureau for the service, while the worker receives a wage in line with the applicable agreements and statutory rules.

Legal and regulatory framework: in the Netherlands, the WAADI (Wet allocatie arbeidskrachten door intermediairs) governs the recruitment and assignment of temporary workers by intermediation agencies. Agencies must comply with registration and disclosure requirements, and there are rules aimed at preventing disguised employment and ensuring fair treatment of temporary workers. The right to equal pay for equal work is generally pursued through applicable collective labor agreements (cao) or statutory provisions, and the exact terms can vary by sector and contract.

Benefits and drawbacks: uitzendbanen offer flexibility, exposure to different roles and workplaces, and can serve as a stepping stone to permanent employment. They appeal to students, job seekers re-entering the workforce, or those seeking short-term assignments. Drawbacks may include less job security, varying hours, and potential differences in benefits compared with permanent staff.

Sectors and roles: common areas include logistics, administration, production, hospitality, and healthcare, with opportunities in IT and technical fields as well. Uitzendbanen thus function as a flexible labor market mechanism that connects workers with short- or medium-term staffing needs.

---