jdsupra.com (16.03.2020) If the activities of the company are strongly affected by COVID-19, employers can apply for a permit for a reduction in working time (werktijdverkorting) at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment. This means that employees will temporarily work reduced time. Employees can receive a temporary unemployment benefit for the hours not worked, while they remain fully employed by the Employer. The permit is valid for a period of maximum 6 weeks and can be extended for a maximum total period of 24 weeks.

Employers must meet the following conditions:

• The company has been affected by a situation that does not fall under the normal business risks (such as COVID-19);
• It is expected that during a period of 2 to 24 weeks sales are at least 20% lower than normal due to the effects of COVID-19 and the measures taken.