Factsheet for measure
NL-2021-18/2479
– measures in Netherlands
Regional Mobility Teams (RMTs)
Regionale mobiliteitsteams (RMT's)
Background information
Because it was expected that due to the COVID-19 pandemic many people would lose their jobs, 35 Regional Mobility Teams (RMTs) were formed to assist people who either lost their job or income or are about to. They help find (other) work free of charge. Assistance from regional mobility teams consists of job search assistance, career advice, training, apprenticeships and
help with debts. The help one gets depends on one's situation and on what one needs to get back to work.
Employers or entrepreneurs looking for support in guiding staff to other work can also turn to a RMT in their area. These RMTs are an initiative of the ministries of Social Affairs and Employment and Education, Culture and Science, municipalities, the Unemployment Service, Cooperation of VET organisations (SBB), association of schools in vocational education (MBO Raad), trade unions and employer organisations. In practice, a RMT is a network organisation.
Content of measure
The RMTs help people find jobs. They are accessible to all welfare and non-benefit recipients, including those from before the pandemic. Depending on the situation of the person who reports, the RMT looks at what is needed to find work again. This is done through free counselling, career advice, training or on-the-job learning. The services of the RMTs are aimed at people who have lost or are at risk of losing their jobs and need extra support in finding new employment, including self-employed people and young people. The parties involved are all doing their own jobs: social partners are often the first to signal that something is wrong, the Unemployment Service and municipalities have experience in counselling towards new work and debt assistance, Samenwerkingsorganisatie Beroepsonderwijs Bedrijfsleven (SBB) has a good overview of trainings available.
Use of measure
The "Evaluatie NHN Werkt Door 2020-2022" report evaluates the NHN Werkt Door platform, established in 2020 to support employers and employees in North-Holland Noord during the COVID-19 crisis.
Initially focused on employer services, it expanded in 2021 to assist employees with career and training guidance. By 2022, the platform supported over 1,000 diverse candidates, offering tailored interventions ranging from career orientation to retraining. Key success factors include integrated, barrier-free service delivery and reaching underserved groups. However, challenges remain in registration, monitoring candidates, and streamlining processes. Recommendations suggest a more structured, permanent setup to enhance service efficiency and effectiveness.
A 2024 evaluation of the RMTs shows that between mid-2021 and 31 August 2023, approximately 68,000 individuals registered with one of the Regional Mobility Teams (RMTs). The average intake rate was 2,500 to 3,000 participants per month. Most participants were jobseekers not receiving social assistance or unemployment benefits, and a substantial share were self-employed persons (zzp’ers) and young people under 27. Of those who exited the RMT programme by August 2023, 60% moved into paid employment, while 21% pursued education or training, and 10% exited due to personal reasons (e.g. health or relocation).
Target groups
Actors and funding
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Actors
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Funding
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National government
Local / regional government
Public employment service
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National funds
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Social partners
Social partners' role in
designing the measure
and form of involvement:
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Trade unions
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Employers' organisations
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Role
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Agreed (outcome) incl. social partner initiative
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Agreed (outcome) incl. social partner initiative
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Form
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Direct consultation outside a formal body
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Direct consultation outside a formal body
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Social partners' role in the
implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:
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Social partners jointly
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Main level of involvement: Peak or cross-sectoral level
Involvement
This measure is a cooperation between social partners, the government and a wide range of other stakeholders. What exactly was the involvement of the social partners in designing, implementing and monitoring the measure is unknown.
Views and reactions
The 2024 evaluation highlights broad satisfaction among stakeholders, particularly regarding the flexibility, low-threshold access, and regional customisation of the RMTs. Employers appreciated the cooperative approach and the one-stop-shop nature of the RMTs. However, the report also noted concerns about structural funding, varying effectiveness across regions, and the lack of consistent long-term perspective. While stakeholders remained supportive of the RMT approach, they stressed the need for better integration with existing services and more uniform national coordination .
Sources
