Temporary emergency bridging measure for work retention (NOW)
With the Temporary emergency bridging measure for work retention (known as the NOW), the Dutch government aims to soften the economic consequences of the corona crisis and preserve employment as much as possible. This subsidy for employers was first announced on 17 March 2020, and has since been extended several times. The sixth NOW has been announced in December 2021 and applies for the period January-March 2022. Throughout the various NOW schemes, the conditions and requirements have been slightly modified. Initially, the focus was entirely on maintaining employment. From the third scheme onwards, the focus was more on preparing employers and employees for a new economic situation. For example, from the third NOW scheme onwards, there is (some) space for employers to reduce the wage sum without compromising the subsidy. The Stibbe NOW-team has been involved in a considerable number of procedures and requests for advices regarding the NOW schemes.
Stibbe NOW team
The NOW is an administrative subsidy scheme which employers can apply for. This scheme has implication for administrative law, contract law, employment law and company law, and requires extensive expertise in these areas. If the UWV reduces the subsidy upon determination (or sets it to nil), knowledge of administrative procedural law is indispensable. Special requirements apply to loss-making groups and operating companies, necessitating a critical look at the concept of a group of companies. The conditions for the NOW may also have consequences under employment law, including consultation with trade unions and amendments to existing agreements on bonuses concerning members of the board and management.
Our specialist legal knowledge across these fields is brought together in the Stibbe NOW team, in order to quickly provide our clients with the clarity they require on NOW issues.
Stibbe NOW website
The developments surrounding the NOW subsidy continue at a rapid pace, and due to the ongoing corona crisis this is likely to continue. That is why the Stibbe NOW team has set up a special website relating to the NOW. On this website, Stibbe’s NOW Team keeps track of literature, case law, regulations and news items about the NOW. You will also find the most important parliamentary documentation on the NOW. This website also contains our short reads with legal explanations of NOW developments.
In short, the Stibbe NOW team - and the accompanying website - offers you an up-to-date overview of developments, and insights into their legal significance for your business.
> Visit our NOW website at www.stibbe-now.nl