Deliveroo has now left the Netherlands, but this statement still has important consequences. ‘For the single company, but also for similar companies. Now they will have to look at how employment relationships are structured,’ says Van Gennip. “Also, former Deliveroo employees can see if wages can be recovered, for example for a time someone was ill,” the minister said in a conversation with political journalist Mats Akkerman.
Meal delivery companies and companies operating in the platform economy in particular will have to look into contracts, the minister thinks. ‘But legislation in this area is also being tightened. So we as a government and also the House of Representatives need to take a good look at what the Supreme Court ruling means for us.’
‘This is a help’
The cabinet wants to strengthen bogus self-employment. The Supreme Court ruling can help with this. “This helps, even for people who want to work as independent contractors,” says Van Gennip. “Now it must also be clear to employers when someone is an employee or self-employed contractor.”
With the Supreme Court ruling it should also be clearer to employers when someone is an employee or self-employed entrepreneur. “We really want it to be clearer when you’re working under authority,” says Van Gennip.
That companies need to hire significantly more people as a result of the ruling is obvious and “the intention, too,” says Van Gennip. ‘Ultimately, we want to reduce unfair competition in terms of working conditions. People must have decent working conditions and premiums must be paid correctly so that they are insured even in case of illness.’