The Wet toelating terbeschikking van arbeidskrachten, better known as the WTTA, is an important step in the regulation of the temporary staffing sector and other personnel lenders. In a recently published parliamentary letter, Eddy van Hijum, the Minister of Social Affairs and Employment (SZW), announced that his own ministry will assume the role of admitting authority (TI). This decision follows an extensive search for a suitable implementer. How to proceed.
Why a new admitting authority?
First a bit of background: the WTTA bill dates back to 2023, in response to abuses in the staffing industry (underpayment, poor housing of migrant workers) and the Roemer Commission report. The law introduces an admission system for organizations covered by the Waadi. Under the new system, hirers may only operate in the market if they are authorized to do so.
It was originally intended that Justis, the screening authority of the Ministry of Justice and Security, would act as the admitting authority. However, Justis announced that it did not have the capacity to perform this complex task, partly due to the extensive supervisory and enforcement responsibilities that the WTTA entails. This was confirmed in various parliamentary documents and led to the need to postpone the introduction of the WTTA until further notice in late 2024. The Ministry of SZW is now taking over this task and establishing a new unit specifically responsible for implementing the law.
SZW's new role as admitting authority
The new special unit within the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment will be responsible, as the admitting authority, for assessing applications for admission, suspensions and revocations of permits for hirers. The new unit must distinguish itself through careful decision-making, in which signals from the market, inspection reports from private inspection bodies and cooperation with system partners such as the Tax and Customs Administration play a major role.
Motions Cedar (CU) and Aartsen (VVD): focus on speed and cost control
The implementation of the WTTA has been heavily influenced by two motions recently passed in the House of Representatives:
- Motion Cedar: focus on speed
This motion emphasizes the need for the law to enter into force as soon as possible with a target date of July 1, 2026. The Minister of SSW indicates in the room letter that he shares this aspiration, but warns against rushing without diligence. A robust organization is needed to ensure that the admission system functions effectively from day one. The preparation and establishment of the TI will therefore be carefully carried out, with a schedule expected to be set this spring. - Archer motion : cost control for lenders
In his motion, Aartsen calls for keeping the costs associated with implementing the WTTA manageable, especially for smaller lenders. The minister responded in the parliamentary letter by indicating that the fees and inspection costs will be set proportionately and transparently. In addition, the fees will be differentiated by company size, which means that smaller lenders will be charged less than medium and large companies. An important commitment for Aartsen since it was originally intended to charge a 100,000,- deposit to joining parties.
How to move forward?
Van Hijum indicated in the parliamentary letter that he cannot yet comment on a definitive date for the law's entry into force. The TI must be given sufficient legal, financial and organizational resources to be able to perform its tasks and activities reliably and effectively. Logically, this process needs time. Van Hijum does indicate in the parliamentary letter that there will be more information on a new timeline for the implementation and execution of the WTTA in the first quarter of 2025.
HeadFirst Group's Public Affairs Team is keeping a close eye on developments. Should there be any questions about the WTTA, please contact us at publicaffairs@headfirst.nl.
Request a free consultation
Questions about this? Please contact us.
Sem Overduin
Public Policy & Affairs Manager
Sem.Overduin@headfirst.nl
Oifik Youssefi
Public Affairs Officer
Oifik.Youssefi@headfirst.nl
Maaike van Driel
Head of Legal
Maaike.vanDriel@headfirst.group
Thomas ten Veldhuijs
Senior Legal Counsel
Thomas.tenVeldhuijs@headfirst.nl