1. The Challenges of the Modernization of Croatian Labour Law
The young at work
Experiences in the Netherlands
Rijeka, 12 May 2017
Frans Pennings (Utrecht University)

2. Overview General context of youth unemployment
Preparation for the labour market
Traineeships
The labour law applicable
Disabled persons
In public assistance

3. General context
Youth unemployment (<25) in Nl is decreasing (from 11.4% (3/2016) to 10.2% (12/2016). (for general population: 5.4%)
(September 2013 peak of youth unemployment: 14%)

4. Preparation for the labour market
Obligation to go to school: until they have a basic qualification (diploma in high school) or are 18
Support by municipalities for persons < 27 not having obtained a basic qualification: work/training period
Specific rules for disabled persons who cannot find work

5. Always ‘danger’ that it is regarded as contract of employment
Traineeships
During following high school education: learning/work contracts, these are excluded from labour law; provisions on health and safety may be applicable
After university: current trend: paid traineeship during some time in order to obtain work experience
Not regulated by an act
Always ‘danger’ that it is regarded as contract of employment

6. The labour law for young persons
General labour law is applicable, no special contract
Currently: lower minimum wage for persons under 23
Problems:
competition with other workers
age discrimination discussion

7. Workers with a contract for a definite period
after 3 contracts, the fourth is a contract for an indefinite period; and
if a contract has been extended and the total period exceeds 24 months, the last contract is one for an indefinite period. Exemption only possible by collective agreement or in relation to specific nature of the work.
Not applicable to learning contracts or for persons under 18

8. On call workers Legal presumption:
On call workers for whom no fixed working schedule exists are entitled to wage for at least three hours in each calleven if they work less
When an on call worker has worked at least three months there is a presumption that the average number of hours s/he worked is the extent of his contract. Employer can refute this presumption.

9. Unemployment
In public assistance: obligation to have a counter activity, to be organized by municipality: this cannot compete with the regular labour market
Specific work experience jobs (in the regular labour market) for persons with a distance to the labour market (disabled persons)

10. conclusion
No public employment schemes (for others than the disabled) to employ young persons
Basic principle is to focus on getting basic qualifications
Some private initiatives to offer traineeships to graduates. Not regulated
Some problems remain severe: for the disabled and for persons from some foreign origin