Fewer participants in work reintegration schemes

The number of people taking part in work reintegration schemes in the Netherlands fell by nearly 28 thousand between 2010 and 2012. Fewer young people, in particular, were offered a place under a municipal work reintegration programmes. At the end of 2012, 195 thousand people were participating in a reintegration programme.

Reintegration budget decreased

Municipalities are responsible for work re-integration programmes, which are intended to improve people’s chances on the labour market. The fall in the number of participants was the result of a reduction in the participation budget under which the reintegration schemes are financed.  budget is made available by central government. Between 2008 and 2010, the number of work reintegration participants rose from 189 thousand to 223 thousand. At the end of 2012, it had fallen to 195 thousand people, slightly more women than men.

People in reintegration schemes, 31 December

Fewer young people in work reintegration schemes

Fewer people younger than 27 years in particular started work under a reintegration scheme in 2012.  They accounted for 19 percent of the 121 thousand new participants in 2012. In both 2010 and 2011 they accounted for 27 percent of new participants.
The decrease in young participants is connected with a change in government policy concerning income support, a benefit which most participants in reintegration schemes receive. In 2012, regulations came into effect aimed at reducing the number of new income support claims by young people. A qualifying period was introduced, for example, during which young income support applicants are required actively to seek work or training. Only after this period do they become eligible for income support and the reintegration schemes.

Inflow into reintegration schemes by age

Older people less likely to find work after reintegration

The likelihood of finding a job after having completed a reintegration scheme diminishes with age. In 2012, 43 percent of people younger than 27 years found a paid job after completion of their reintegration programme. For 55-64 year-olds this was 16 percent. Men (35 percent) have a slightly higher chance of finding a paid job after reintegration than women (30 percent).

In 2012, 33 percent of all participants found paid work after reintegration. In 2010 this was slightly higher, at 36 percent.

Outflow from reintegration schemes into work

Jeremy Weidum