Hiring temporary workers: what are you responsible for?

The staffing agency supplies the workers, but that does not cover everything. Employers who hire temporary workers also have obligations toward them. What should you check as a food company, and what needs your attention? The Netherlands Labour Authority has updated its checklist to help employers. From checking whether someone is authorized to work in the Netherlands to employment conditions and safety, the checklist provides practical guidance.

The hiring company remains responsible

Employers often do not fully understand their responsibilities toward temporary workers, according to the Labour Authority. The hiring company and the staffing provider share responsibility for fair, healthy, and safe working conditions. Employers therefore need to know who is coming to work at their company. Even when hiring through a staffing agency, the hiring company remains jointly responsible.

During inspections, the Labour Authority regularly encounters temporary workers working illegally in the Netherlands. Employers must check for themselves whether a worker is authorized to work here. They cannot shift that responsibility to the staffing agency. According to the authority, the checklist makes it harder to use a staffing provider as an excuse for failing to meet their own obligations.

A practical tool for hiring temporary workers

The checklist clarifies what employers can—and must—check. It helps them pay closer attention to compliance with employment conditions. The tool also highlights workplace safety considerations.

The Labour Authority developed the checklist together with the Belastingdienst, UWV, and SVB. Organizations from the temporary staffing sector also contributed to the tool. Employers can find the updated version at checklistuitleners.nl.