Employer No-Risk Policy in Leiden: Safely Hiring Talent with Disabilities
The employer no-risk policy is a UWV scheme that relieves Leiden employers when hiring employees with a work limitation or medical history. If the employee falls ill within five years, the UWV covers the wage continuation costs. This promotes inclusion in the Leiden job market, ideal for Wajong beneficiaries and benefit recipients from the region.
What Does the No-Risk Policy Entail for Leiden?
A no-risk policy is not a commercial insurance policy, but a UWV agreement that covers risks. Hire a Wajong beneficiary from Leiden: if illness occurs after starting work, the UWV takes over wage costs from day 43 (or day 1 for chronic conditions). The scheme applies for a maximum of five years and is extendable under certain conditions. For Leiden businesses, this lowers the barrier to hiring diverse talent, in line with the Participation Act and Work and Security Act.
Legal Basis of the No-Risk Policy
The employer no-risk policy stems from UWV policy, enshrined in the Work and Income according to Labour Capacity Act (WIA) (art. 42 et seq.) and Sickness Benefits Act (ZW) (art. 28 et seq.). The UWV applies the Policy Rules on Wage Continuation during Illness and Reintegration 2018. For Wajong beneficiaries, art. 15a of the Disability Assistance Act for Young Disabled Persons (Wajong) applies.
Since 2021, tightened via the Act Introducing Reintegration Obligations (WIA): apply for the policy before or within four weeks of the start of employment via the UWV portal.
Conditions for the No-Risk Policy: Who Qualifies?
The UWV selects based on target groups:
- Wajong, WIA, or Sickness Benefits recipients.
- Recent work-disabled individuals (within two years).
- Chronically ill (>85% work-disabled).
- Refugees with status and benefits.
Example from Leiden: Sarah from Leiden receives Wajong due to autism. A local company applies for the policy. If she falls ill after three months, the UWV pays from day 43 – not the employer.
No-Risk Policy vs. No Policy
| Situation | Without Policy | With Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Wage Continuation during Illness (first 2 years) | Employer: 70-100% wages | UWV from day 43 (day 1 chronic) |
| Duration | N/A | 5 years, extendable |
| Employer Costs | Full risk | No wage costs during illness |
| Reintegration | Employer only | Shared with UWV |
Rights and Obligations under the No-Risk Policy
Employer Rights:
- Reimbursement of sick pay.
- Exemption from the Gatekeeper Improvement Act for this employee.
- Discount on payroll tax for reimbursements.
Employer Obligations:
- Report start of employment to UWV within 2 weeks.
- Carry out reintegration tracks 1 and 2.
- Archive payslips for UWV inspection.
Employee: Full employment contract protection; dismissal during illness requires UWV and possibly District Court of Leiden approval. Obligation: cooperate in reintegration.
Leiden Example: Leiden company X hires Tom (ex-WIA) with the policy. After a year of back issues, the employer reports to UWV: Sickness Benefits from week 2. After two years, WIA assessment. Without policy: €50,000+ costs.
FAQ: Employer No-Risk Policy in Leiden
Possible for temporary contracts?
Yes, until contract end or 5 years. Extend chains via UWV.
Already ill at start?
Day 1 reimbursement if recurrence within 5 years, otherwise day 43. Check UWV status.
Automatic end after 5 years?
Yes, but extendable if target group applies. UWV decides.
Inform the employee?
Not required, but check employment contract for transparency.
Tips for Leiden Employers
Maximize the employer no-risk policy:
- Apply: Via Mijn UWV Werkgevers, free, decision within 2 weeks.
- Document start of employment, illness, and medical info.
- Combine with wage cost subsidy (up to 75% for Wajongers).
- If in doubt: Leiden Legal Aid Office or Municipality of Leiden for advice.
- Read More: Working with Wajong in Leiden, Wajong Benefit in Leiden or Sickness Benefits.
Practical: Check UWV target group list. For Leiden companies with vacancies: bulk applications. The no-risk policy lowers barriers to inclusive employment in Leiden.
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