Many healthcare institutions in the Netherlands are struggling to eliminate the use of pseudo self-employed workers by January 1, when the tax authority will begin stricter enforcement on these freelancers who should be employed. These institutions have told NOS that they will continue to hire such workers in the coming months to prevent staffing shortages that could affect patient care.
Ernst Klunder, chair of the board at ‘s Heeren Loo, expressed concerns about fully stopping on January 1, citing a severe problem that would impact care continuity. On the other hand, mental health institution Rivierduinen has discontinued using pseudo self-employed workers, resulting in waitlist issues for treatment.
Theo van Uum, president of the umbrella organization BoZ, pointed out the dependency on freelancers in critical roles as a concern. The healthcare sector has faced chronic staff shortages, exacerbating the pressure on current employees.
Institutions are attempting to convert some of the 170,000 freelancers into employees by offering more flexibility, but with limited success. Only a small number of freelancers have transitioned to permanent roles.
Some institutions are turning to temporary staffing agencies, despite the higher costs involved. The sector calls on the government to refrain from imposing retroactive tax assessments next year and to allow the continued use of freelancers during illness or high demand.
Source: NOS