As is hopefully now known, the Short-time Working Hours will be canceled with immediate effect from March 17. Due to the coronavirus, a new scheme has been introduced in its place: the NOW (Emergency Bridging Employment Fund). What exactly does this mean for you as an employer?
If you have had a loss of turnover of at least 20% since March 1, you are eligible for compensation that depends on the amount of the decrease. This means that if, for example, 100% of turnover is lost, the employer's compensation amounts to 90% of the wage bill. 80% will be strengthened from this compensation on the basis of an advance. The amount to which you are still entitled will be calculated at a later time. The underlying principle is of course that your employees' wages continue to be paid.
The NOW also applies to on-call workers and other flexible employees. In addition, this is separate from the unemployment benefit and the scheme does not affect the already accrued rights of the employees. In addition to the condition of wage payment, you also do not dismiss your employee on economic grounds during the NOW period.
For more information about the NOW, view the information from the UWV. Would you like to take advantage of the scheme? Please submit an application via the UWV. If a previous application has been rejected, please check what has changed under the new rules.
Nederlands