Hiring agency workers from 2027: equal pay, Wtta licensing and shared responsibility for safe work
Organisations that hire staff through an employment agency or other labour supplier will face stricter requirements in the coming years. Three developments followed each other in October 2026.
1. Equal pay becomes a licensing requirement
On 8 October, a public consultation started on an amendment to the standards under the Act on the Admission of Labour Supply (Wtta). From 1 January 2027, labour suppliers need a licence from the Dutch Labour Supply Authority. The proposal adds a requirement: supplied workers must be paid the same as, or equivalent to, the hirer’s own employees – something employers already have to comply with under the Act on More Security for Flexible Workers. Compliance will be checked periodically. If a supplier falls short and does not remedy this, its licence may be suspended or revoked. The amendment is expected to take effect on 1 July 2027. Enforcement starts in 2028 and also targets hirers who work with an unlicensed supplier.
2. New checklist from the Labour Inspectorate
On 15 October, the Netherlands Labour Authority published an updated checklist for hirers. The message: hirers remain jointly responsible for fair, healthy and safe working conditions. One of the points: as an employer, you must check whether a worker is allowed to work in the Netherlands.
3. Agency workers face higher risks
On 19 October, the Labour Authority reported that agency workers more often do unhealthy and dangerous work and more often have accidents. Violations were found at 68 percent of the hirers inspected, and in 66 cases work was halted because of serious danger. The risk assessment was often not in order, and it was frequently unclear who was responsible for instruction, supervision and protective equipment. Hirers also face civil liability: under Article 7:658(4) of the Dutch Civil Code, they are liable for workplace damage on the same basis as an employer.
Action points for hirers
Check that your labour suppliers hold a Wtta licence from 2027.
Provide your supplier in time with the information needed for equal pay.
Update your risk assessment with specific attention to agency workers and agree clearly on instruction and supervision.
Check whether workers are allowed to work in the Netherlands.
Sources (in Dutch): Government of the Netherlands, Labour Authority (checklist) and Labour Authority (research).
This blog provides general information and is not legal advice. For advice on a specific situation, please contact us.
