paroolSep 22, 2026, 16:29

Municipality of Amsterdam fails to reintegrate sick employees: UWV imposed 90 wage sanctions since 2023

The Municipality of Amsterdam has been hit with 90 wage sanctions by the UWV since 2023 for failing to adequately reintegrate sick employees, costing taxpayers approximately 6.6 million euros. Alderman Hendrik Jan Biemond attributed the failures to poor record-keeping, staff shortages, and unclear internal policies, prompting the city to implement new digital tools and updated management protocols.

The Municipality of Amsterdam has faced 90 wage sanctions from the UWV between 2023 and August 2026 due to failures in reintegrating sick employees. These sanctions require the city to continue paying salaries and reintegration costs for an additional year, resulting in an estimated loss of 6.6 million euros in taxpayer money. The UWV identified significant shortcomings, including a failure to reassign employees to suitable roles and poor administrative record-keeping regarding reintegration efforts. Alderman Hendrik Jan Biemond acknowledged that the number of sanctions is unacceptable, citing high staff turnover among reintegration specialists, unclear internal policies, and complex case files as contributing factors. To address these issues, the city has hired new specialists, implemented a digital platform to help employees find suitable work, and introduced clearer instructions for management. The municipal council will now receive biannual updates on the progress of these reintegration efforts to ensure greater accountability and oversight regarding the city's approach to employee illness.

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Based on reporting by parool. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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