Employment agencies in the Netherlands

Projob is a recruitment and career coaching agency with a focus on expats. Projob works with local and international companies, professionals and freelancers.

Are you looking for a job in the Netherlands? Is your job search not going that well? Perhaps you should consider going to a Dutch employment agency to increase your chances of getting a job.

A unique position

The position of employment agencies in the Netherlands in the job market is unique in Europe. All the employment agencies put together make up one of the largest employers in the Netherlands.

We’re not talking about “little jobs” here either. Roughly 40 percent of temporary workers stay at their job for longer than a year, working 30 hours per week on average. Half of all temps even work full time.

Why do so many companies in the Netherlands work with an agency?

Well, for one thing, many employers prefer the flexibility temporary contracts provide. When it comes to regular employment contracts, employers and employees can agree on a maximum of three fixed-term contracts; the total duration of the combined contracts cannot extend 24 months.

If you work for an agency that is a member of the ABU (Algemene Bond Uitzendondernemingen), you will work under the rules and regulations of the Flexwet. This means that you will work under the phase system:

• Phase 1: No contract, but an agreement lasting for 78 worked weeks 
• Phase 2: A contract for a maximum of 6 fixed periods, with a total duration of 4 years 
• Phase 3: An indefinite contract with the employment agency 

For those who like maths: As you can see, the total duration of phase A and B is 5,5 years. This means that you can work 3,5 years longer on flexible contracts through an agency compared to a regular employer. Therefore, employment agencies in the Netherlands enjoy a unique position in the labour market, which makes them good business partners for both Dutch and international companies.

Make sure you connect with a solid agency

The most reliable agencies are a member of a federation, such as the ABU. The ABU has been the main representative for private employment agencies in the Netherlands since 1961. With the help of a trustworthy employment agency, you will have access to a great network of companies. So, don’t be afraid to explore the Dutch labour market with the help of an agency!

Els Brouwer is the Executive Director of Projob Company Onboarding. She has been working with expats and international companies for over 20 years. See what Projob can do for you.