The European Commission wants the Netherlands to further cut tax credits for self-employed workers. It would be one of the two conditions to claim coronasteun from Brussels, mentioned the FD. This once again makes zzp'ers the subject of the political-social discussion about the labor market.
Politicians in The Hague see creating a more level playing field, including by phasing out the self-employed deduction, as one of the solutions to the proliferation of self-employed workers. We embrace the creation of a more level playing field. After all, every individual in the Netherlands - regardless of the form of work and employment relationship - is entitled to protection and security.
However, a helping hand from politicians is desperately needed for the self-employed with lower hourly rates and small financial buffers. This group benefits from protection, for example against the consequences of disability and unemployment. Nevertheless, due to the fixed amount of the self-employment deduction, self-employed people with lower incomes are hit harder.
Only 7 percent self-employed call themselves forced self-employed
A growing group of employed people - in their search for autonomy and challenge - are making the move to self-employment. Only just under 7 percent of the self-employed population call themselves forced self-employed. It is high time for a solution that supports needy self-employed people, but leaves the larger group of conscious self-employed people free to do business.
However, this must go hand in hand with collectivity, social security and modern solidarity. A basic social system is needed for all workers, regardless of their contract or legal form, with securities that move with the changes in their working lives. A substantial change from the current system, but much needed to future-proof the labor market.
To take the debate on the labor market to a higher level, facts and figures of self-employed people are needed. On Monday, November 8, ZiPconomy, ONL and HeadFirst Group will present a report with the aim: to map the diversity and heterogeneity of this group and contribute to a rational and factual debate.