The Netherlands Experiences Surge in Security Companies, with Concerns for Self-Employed Workers
The security sector in the Netherlands has witnessed a significant increase in the number of companies operating in the industry. According to the Chamber of Commerce (KVK), there are now over 10,000 security companies in the country, compared to just 3,800 in 2018. This surge is particularly notable in the self-employed sector.
Out of the 10,051 security companies registered this year, a staggering 8,613 are self-employed individuals. This marks a substantial rise from the 2,511 self-employed workers recorded in 2018. Marianna Clarijs, representing the sector organization SFPB, explains that many of these self-employed individuals have left their permanent jobs to pursue entrepreneurship in the security field.
However, the increase in the number of self-employed workers has raised concerns about the future financial stability of this group. Clarijs refers to this trend as the “poverty of the future.” While self-employed individuals may be able to command higher hourly wages compared to their employed counterparts, they often struggle to allocate funds for pension accrual or further training.
The sector organization also fears that the employment conditions outlined in collective labor agreements, such as working hours, may be compromised when self-employed individuals are hired. This raises concerns about potential exploitation and a lack of adherence to established labor standards.
In response to these developments, SFPB is calling for further research into the growing number of self-employed workers in the security sector. The organization also aims to engage in discussions with these security guards to better understand their experiences and address any potential issues.
The surge in security companies in the Netherlands reflects the growing demand for security services in various industries. However, it is crucial to ensure that the rights and well-being of self-employed workers are protected, and that they have access to fair employment conditions and benefits.
What measures can be implemented to ensure fair employment conditions and benefits for self-employed workers in the security sector in the Netherlands?
The security sector in the Netherlands has experienced a significant surge in the number of companies operating in the industry, with over 10,000 security companies registered compared to just 3,800 in 2018 (source: Chamber of Commerce). This growth is particularly evident in the self-employed sector, as out of the 10,051 security companies registered this year, 8,613 are self-employed individuals (source: Chamber of Commerce).
Many of these self-employed individuals have transitioned from permanent jobs to pursue entrepreneurship in the security field. However, there are concerns about the future financial stability of this group. While self-employed workers may earn higher hourly wages, they often struggle to allocate funds for pension accrual or further training.
The sector organization SFPB, representing the security industry, refers to this trend as the “poverty of the future” and highlights the potential compromise of employment conditions when self-employed individuals are hired. There are concerns about potential exploitation and the lack of adherence to established labor standards.
In response, SFPB is calling for further research into the growing number of self-employed workers in the security sector. The organization aims to engage in discussions with these security guards to better understand their experiences and address any potential issues.
The surge in security companies in the Netherlands indicates a rising demand for security services in various industries. However, it is crucial to ensure that the rights and well-being of self-employed workers, particularly in terms of fair employment conditions and benefits, are protected.
