The Flemish employment agency VDAB is preparing for the implementation of the first phase of time-limited unemployment benefits, set to begin on 1 January.
“We are ready to support job seekers with the resources we have available,” said VDAB CEO Wim Adriaens in a press release on Saturday morning. However, he emphasised the agency’s reliance on others, such as policymakers and the National Employment Office (RVA).
Earlier this week, the federal government agreed on the target groups and timeline for the previously announced unemployment benefit limitation. While the details still await parliamentary approval, the VDAB is not waiting to start its preparations.
To determine which job seekers will be affected on an individual level, the VDAB requires personal data held by the RVA.
Flemish Minister Zuhal Demir and the VDAB have contacted Federal Employment Minister David Clarinval and the RVA’s management committee to discuss data exchange and communication. “We are continuously consulting and are also represented on the RVA management committee,” said VDAB spokesperson Joke Van Bommel.
“We hope to quickly adapt once the legislation is approved in parliament.” Adriaens added, “The longer it takes for us to receive data on who is affected, the more challenging it will be to be ready in time.”
As some job seekers may turn to welfare benefits, the VDAB is also coordinating with local authorities.
Additionally, the VDAB is reviewing its service processes and providing support to mediators. The agency plans to create more opportunities for long-term job seekers by organising local job fairs, increasing mediators on the helpline, and offering extra Dutch language courses. These efforts will complement existing services.
At the end of April, Actiris, the Brussels counterpart of VDAB, requested a six-month delay for the measure. “We are doing everything possible to implement the measure,” they said at the time. “However, to fine-tune our data exchange and services, we would appreciate an additional six months.”
