Since 1961 the ABU (Algemene Bond Uitzendondernemingen, or Federation of Private Employment Agencies) has been the main representative for private employment agencies in the Netherlands and a leader in the agency work sector. With 560 members, varying from large and medium-sized companies to small enterprises, the industry association represents approximately 65% of the market. This makes the ABU the largest and most important employers' organisation in the temporary agency work sector in the Netherlands.
Largest employer
The temporary agency work sector is crucially important to the Dutch labour market and our economy. Private employment agencies help hundreds of thousands of temporary agency workers find work and gain experience, and help thousands of companies and organisations find temporary agency workers. Every year, the temporary agency work sector fills more than one million temporary jobs and 777,000 people find a job through private employment agencies. This makes the sector the largest employer in the Netherlands.
Quality and security
ABU members set themselves apart from the rest of the labour market. There are a great many private employment agencies that provide workers on a commercial basis in the Netherlands - only some of these are affiliated with the ABU. ABU members are expected to meet high quality standards, for example, regarding employment conditions, the payment of social security premiums, safety in the workplace and rules of conduct. As a result, user companies and temporary agency workers can rest assured that ABU members stand for quality, security and financial reliability. Quality is guaranteed continuously thanks to periodic checks and controls.
What does the ABU do?
The ABU activities include influencing legislation and regulations (lobbying), market expansion, market regulation, research and providing information and advice to (primary) members and stakeholders. More information >>
