New Rules for Temporary Agency Workers in the Netherlands (2026): What This Means for You

Good news for international temporary workers in the Netherlands.
From 1 January 2026, a new Collective Labour Agreement (CLA) will come into effect. These changes are designed to improve working conditions and increase job security for temporary agency workers, especially people who have come to the Netherlands to work through an employment agency.

At Level One Uitzendbureau, we believe it is important that you understand what these changes mean for you in simple, clear language. In this blog, we explain the most important updates and how they can affect your work and income.

Equal Pay: Same Value for the Same Work

From January 2026, temporary agency workers will be entitled to equal pay. This means your total employment conditions must be worth the same as those of colleagues who do the same or similar work at the company where you are placed.

This does not mean everything must look identical on paper, but the overall value should be equal.

What can this include?

  • Other benefits offered by the company
  • Holiday days
  • Profit sharing or bonuses
  • Salary during illness

Example:

  • If employees in the company who do similar work receive additional benefits, the overall value of these benefits must also be reflected in your employment conditions.
  • Equal conditions do not mean that every single benefit must be exactly the same,  what matters is that the total value of the employment package is comparable.
  • Sometimes this can mean a different solution with a similar value, not necessarily the identical benefit.

In simple words: it is about the overall value of the employment conditions, not about receiving exactly the same extras in every situation.

Better Pension Scheme

Another important improvement is your pension.
From 1 January 2026:

  • You will build up more pension for later.
  • The total pension contribution increases.
  • Your employment agency pays the biggest part, but you also contribute.

If the company where you work has a better pension plan, this will also be updated in your pension plan. Is their pension plan is less favorable or they do not have any, your current arrangement will stay the same. It can not be reduced.

In short: the goal is more financial security for your future.

Changes to Contracts and Job Security

Temporary agency work is based on a three-phase system (A, B and C), which determines the type of contract you receive. While the system itself remains, some rules will change when the More Security for Flexible Workers Act comes into force, expected on 1 January 2027.

The 3 phases explained

Phase A

  • Up to 52 weeks worked
  • Several short-term contracts possible
  • This stays the same

Phase B

  • Will change from 3 years to 2 years
  • Maximum of 6 fixed-term contracts

Phase C

  • Open-ended contract (permanent contract)
  • No change

Longer Protection Between Jobs

The gap period between assignments will also change. Currently, you return to phase A if you have not worked via the same agency for more than 6 months. This will be extended to 5 years (60 months).

This means you will only restart in phase A if you have not worked through that agency for more than five years, providing greater continuity and security.

What Does This Mean for You?

For temporary workers, these changes are mostly positive:

✔ More equal treatment with permanent colleagues
✔ Better pension build-up
✔ Stronger job security
✔ Fairer long-term career opportunities

At Level One Uitzendbureau, we support these developments because they help create safer and more transparent working conditions for everyone.

Prefer Watching Instead of Reading?

We understand that sometimes it’s easier to watch and listen than to read everything. That’s why there are also short explanation videos available that clearly explain the new rules and what they mean for temporary agency workers.

The videos include subtitles in multiple languages, so you can choose what feels most comfortable for you:

We Are Here to Help You

Moving to another country for work is a big step. That’s why we believe clear communication is just as important as good work conditions.

If you have questions about your contract, salary, pension, or what these new rules mean for your personal situation, you can always contact your coordinator. We are here to help you feel at home and confident while working in the Netherlands.

Together, we make sure you can focus on what matters most: building your future.

Do you want to know more about working and living in the Netherlands through Level One?
Check our employee website pages or contact us anytime, we are happy to help.

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