An international perspective on zzp legislation: what can the Netherlands learn from other countries?

The discussion about zzp'ers and their position in the labor market has become increasingly prominent in recent years. Where is the line between self-employment and false self-employment? And how can we ensure that both self-employed people and companies are clear about their rights and obligations? These questions are central to the social and political debate, not only in the Netherlands, but worldwide. Therefore, we conducted an in-depth study of the laws and regulations surrounding self-employed workers in the Netherlands and seven other countries, including Belgium, Germany, and the United States.

Our report offers a unique comparison of the ways in which different countries deal with the complex question: when may a company hire a zzp'er and when is permanent employment necessary? We looked at the definition of self-employment, the criteria for false self-employment, and the enforcement of the regulations in each country. What turns out? Each country has its own challenges, but there are also valuable lessons for the Netherlands.

For example, in Belgium there is a strong emphasis on worker protection, while in the United States the focus is on freedom for entrepreneurs and businesses. Germany has strict regulations with clear criteria for self-employment, which significantly reduces the risk of false self-employment. This contrast offers important insights for Dutch policy, which currently faces a number of crucial choices.

The report not only shows the current state of affairs, but also offers recommendations for the Netherlands. By learning from the experiences of other countries, we can develop a more balanced policy that better serves the interests of both the self-employed and businesses.

Curious about the full analysis and recommendations for the future? Download our report on the website of our parent organization HeadFirst Group and discover what the Netherlands can learn from international examples. It is a must-read for policy makers, companies and self-employed people who want to delve into the future of self-employment legislation in the Netherlands.