Support NOW not sufficient. What next?

You have taken advantage of one or more NOW grants but now have to conclude that the crisis continues for too long. You need to take action to avoid bankruptcy and want to reorganize. Part of this is saying goodbye to one or more employees. What should you think about?

Mandatory counseling to new job

Employers using the NOW subsidy are obliged to make efforts to assist employees whose employment contracts are ending, or if there is an intention to end employment contracts with employees, to find alternative employment. This applies not only in cases of business dismissal, but to all ways in which employment contracts can end (with the exception of dismissal due to state pension). So even if you decide not to renew fixed-term employment contracts.

So a "work-to-work" pathway has become especially important. Consider guidance and training that employees can receive to increase their chances of finding other work. Simple and not costly options include:

• Offering an online career choice test;
• Appoint a career counselor (e.g., with weekly consultation hours);
• Internal internships and training;
• Reimburse study expenses untaxed;
• Partial time off from work so that employee can pursue another career or training toward other work.

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UWV Phone NOW

In addition, employers should call the UWV telephone NOW when they submit a request for dismissal for business economic reasons for one or more of their employees to the UWV (088 - 898 20 04). The UWV then asks what work support the employer offers the employees concerned and provides tips and advice. Please note, no contact with the UWV phone NOW results in a 5% discount on the NOW subsidy.

It is important that efforts aimed at training and finding other work be recorded in writing as much as possible. These efforts can play a role in the UWV's assessment of the dismissal request.

If you are considering a reorganization and want to know what to do in preparation, contact us early!