haarlemsdagbladApr 25, 2026, 09:09

Sharp rise in sick leave due to mental health issues costs billions: 'Nowhere else in the world does the employer pay two years of salary'

The Netherlands is experiencing a significant rise in employees unable to work due to mental health issues, with nearly 900,000 people currently classified as disabled. This trend results in billions of euros in government costs and labor shortages, leading to comparisons with how neighboring countries handle employee absenteeism and sick pay.

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Reader question: Can Ziggo raise prices now that they are adding football?

Dutch telecommunications provider Ziggo is increasing its monthly subscription rates by 2.50 euros starting July 1st due to the addition of ESPN sports channels. A reader has contacted an ombudsman to inquire whether the company is legally allowed to raise prices in this manner.

How can I decorate my roof terrace with plants? Farmer Tom: ‘Take a close look at the conditions’

Yvonne Weel from Heerhugowaard is seeking advice from Farmer Tom on how to landscape her new 38-square-meter roof terrace with plants. Tom emphasizes the importance of evaluating the specific environmental conditions of the terrace before selecting suitable plant varieties.

Kyiv Mayor: Major attack on capital

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that the Ukrainian capital is under a major Russian attack involving drones and ballistic missiles. The mayor announced the strikes on Telegram as the city faced the aerial assault.

Trump and Xi start meeting in Beijing with handshake

Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump in Beijing on Thursday to begin a high-level summit. The two leaders are scheduled to discuss several international issues, including trade, Iran, and Taiwan.

Minister: Cuba has completely run out of diesel and fuel oil

Cuba has completely run out of diesel and fuel oil, leading to the worst power outages in Havana in decades. The country's Minister of Energy and Mining attributed the crisis to a US blockade that has cut off the island's fuel supplies.