Hans van der Steen, director labour agreement policy of employers organisation AWVN is concerned on the slow reaction of employers to the structural shortage of labour. In the southern provinces and the Randstad employers are already noticing this shortage, especially in these regions measures should be taken, this according to the labour agreements coordinator of employers organisation AWVN.

But many employers are waiting and do not make labour plans. Within the company they are looking for solutions but only a few employers are searching outside the company for unused potential. “We can say that it is not high on the agenda of the employers,” says Van der Steen, who has been an advisor with over 500 CAO’s, “but the problem has got to become more severe before the employers take action.”

He does not find it wise to wait. With the aging of the population and dejuvenation in the future their won’t be a temporary shortage of labour but a lasting shortage.

Placing an advert for staff will not be sufficient. Employers should also look for staff among umemployed women, foreigners, elderly and partly disabled. “The young, white, educated male without young children will run out, you have to search in other groups.”

The new government has announced to help out. Before the summer break a so-called participation top should lead to agreements with employers and unions on employment. Van der Steen thinks that a top meeting can lead to a solution for the growing problems. He hopes that the preparations for this top meeting will lead to more CAO agreement on employment.

Source: Het Financieele Dagblad