Frequently changing staffing agencies while working in the Netherlands or not?

Phase system for temporary workers in the Netherlands explained

Temporary work in the Netherlands is based on a phase system, which determines the type of contract and level of job security.

There are three phases, each offering different rights and contract types:

• Phase A: Lasts 52 weeks of work. You can have multiple short-term temporary employment contracts for a fixed period. This remains the same.
• Phase B: After completing Phase A, you move to Phase B. This phase currently lasts 3 years. During this period, you may have a maximum of 6 fixed-term contracts. This offers more job security. 
• Phase C: The final phase. You will then have a permanent contract. This will not change. 

Your phase depends on how long you’ve worked for a single staffing agency and whether you've maintained continuity. If you suddenly switch agencies or take a break longer than 6 months, you may lose your phase and go back to Phase A.

What changes are coming to the phase system in 2027?

The “More Security for Temporary Workers” law, coming into force in 2027, introduces: 

• Shortening of Phase B from 3 years to 2 years,

• Faster transition to Phase C (permanent contracT). 

Important: these rules will only change once the ‘More Security for Flexible Workers’ bill comes into force.

Longer break period — but only if you stay with the same agency

When the More Security for Flexible Workers Act takes effect, the gap period between jobs will also change. Currently, you will start again in phase A if you have not worked at your temporary employment agency for more than 6 months. That will change to a 60-month (5-year) term. You will only start again in phase A if you have not worked for your temporary employment agency for more than 5 years. 

Why is it worth working for one staffing agency in the Netherlands?

• You keep your earned phase — you can return to work without dropping back to Phase A (currently after 6 months, and as of 2027, after 5 years),

• You don’t need to explain your job history over and over — your agency already knows your experience and performance,

• You have a greater sense of job stability and security.

This is just part of the broader changes coming in the new collective labor agreement in the Netherlands — read more here:

• Temporary work in the Netherlands — what will change in 2026 and 2027?
• Pension for temporary workers in the Netherlands – 2026 changes

Questions about your situation or the new regulations?

Contact your 24/7 drive intermediary — we’ll help you understand every change.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I take a break from work in the Netherlands without losing my phase?
Right now, the maximum is 6 months. After the More Security for Flexible Workers Act comes into force, it’ll increase to 5 years in 2027 — but only if you return to the same agency.

Does a new agency have to honor my previous phase? 
No. In most cases, switching agencies means starting over in Phase A. That’s why it's important to stay with the same agency longer.

Is it worth working for one agency for several years in the Netherlands?
Yes — the longer you stay, the faster you reach Phase C, meaning a permanent contract and better job security.

What is “Inlenersbeloning”?
It’s a Dutch rule that protects temporary workers from unfair treatment. It guarantees equal pay to that of directly hired employees in the same position.

What does “Uitzendkrachten” mean?
“Uitzendkrachten” are temporary workers — people employed by an agency (uitzendbureau) who work for a different company, called the hiring company (inlener).

What is ABU-CAO?
ABU-CAO stands for Algemene Bond Uitzendondernemingen – Collectieve Arbeidsovereenkomst, the collective labor agreement for temporary workers in agencies that are members of ABU (Dutch Association of Temporary Employment Agencies). It defines the rules and rights for temporary employment, including the phase system (A, B, C) and equal pay (inlenersbeloning) guarantees.