Childcare sees a massive return of self-employed workers to salaried positions
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A significant portion of self-employed workers in childcare has returned to salaried positions at childcare organizations, employment agencies, and staffing firms. ABN AMRO estimates that the number of hours worked by self-employed workers will decrease by 70 percent in 2025, based on a survey conducted among childcare organizations, industry associations, and self-employment intermediaries.
Key Findings
Return to Salaried Employment: Many self-employed workers have transitioned to salaried employment due to stricter enforcement on pseudo self-employment, following the introduction of the Deregulation Assessment Employment Relationships Act (DBA) on January 1, 2025. Remko Berkel, CEO of Babilou Family, confirms that his organization no longer employs self-employed workers since January 1, 2025.
Flexibility and Innovation: Despite the decrease, self-employed workers remain active in specialized services and childminder care. Platforms such as Tadaah provide criteria for self-employed work without pseudo self-employment. Organizations like Kinderopvang Morgen are expanding their flexible pools with their own staff for greater autonomy and variety.
Staff Shortages: Childcare has faced staff shortages for years, with 6,000 vacancies at the end of 2024. ABN AMRO expects staff shortages not to increase due to the reduction of self-employed workers. This is because self-employed workers have returned to salaried positions and childcare organizations are working more frequently with temporary workers. Organizations have also implemented changes, such as smarter scheduling to encourage employees to work more hours.
Childcare in Numbers
Childcare accommodates approximately 916,000 children monthly. The government is working on plans to counter the decline in childminders and make childcare nearly free, which will increase the demand for childcare.
ABN AMRO continues to monitor developments and supports organizations in their transition to a stable staffing structure.