No more zero hour contracts
Employers who regularly work with on-call workers may have to make important changes. The government wants to Abolish zero-hour contracts in favour of contracts that offer employees more certainty regarding their income and working hours. The intended effective date is January 1, 2027.
Why are zero-hour contracts being dropped?
According to the government, many employees with an on-call contract have insufficient certainty about their income and working hours. The bill 'More security flex workers' should ensure that employees have more certainty and the prospect of a stable employment relationship more quickly.
What will replace it?
With the new legislation, zero-hour contracts make way for so-called Bandwidth contracts, that set out a minimum and maximum number of hours. The difference between the two may not exceed 30%. Employees do not have to accept calls above the agreed maximum. In addition, employers must offer a contract with more hours if it turns out that an employee structurally works more than contractually agreed. Young people with a part-time job, such students, will be allowed to continue working on an on-call basis.
When will zero-hour contracts end
Although it is assumed that the new law for flex workers will take effect on January 1st 2027, this date has not yet been finalized. The House of Representatives approved the proposal on 12th May 2026, but the proposal is still awaiting approval from the Senate. When preparing for changes in the law, we recommend that you assume the 1st January, but be aware parts of the law may enter into force later than this.
What does this mean for employers?
For employers, the new legislation means that fully flexible deployment of staff will become more difficult. Those who currently work with zero-hour contracts would be wise to make an inventory in good time of which employees are structurally deployed and which type of contract is appropriate. Salupa can support and advise you in this. Also you may want to keep an eye on further developments regarding the More Security of Flex Workers Act, via the Entrepreneurs' Square.