WSP Parkstad, in Limburg, the Netherlands, matches people coming through social services who are still on the sidelines of the labour market, with employers that have staff needs. They are working in close collaboration with the municipalities and social services. Through their recent partnership with RD4, a waste management company active in the area, many of the workers identified by WSP are now helping at their textile sorting facility. This project is helping people who might find traditional job roles challenging to learn circular skills in a supportive environment. 

Production of Dutch coal ended in 1974. Most mines were located in the southern part of the country, in the province of Limburg. When the closure of the coal mines was announced, it is estimated that approximately 53,000 people were employed in the mines, and an additional 30,000 people indirectly dependent on them (e.g. suppliers of materials, goods and services). Many reemployment organizations were installed by the government and affiliated bodies. Since then, the region has been the focus of employment efforts. 

With the aim of reducing unemployment in Limburg, WSP Parkstad matches people who are still on the sidelines of the labor market with employers that have staff needs, working in close collaboration with the municipalities and social services. Their mission is to make “sustainable paid work available and accessible to everyone who wants to participate and works according to their ability". The company offers a large number of concrete solutions for municipalities, jobseekers and employers. From education and training to job coaching, advice and support with the administration. They employ people with physical or mental illness, that are long-term unemployed, or in financial difficulties. Via their partnership with the municipality of Geleen, WSP Parkstad is working with RD4, a waste management company active in the area. Many of the workers identified by WSP are now helping RD4 at their textile sorting facility, mostly in sorting, labelling, and transportation. This project is helping people who might find traditional job roles challenging to learn circular skills in a supportive environment.

In the employer arrangement work processes are adjusted, vacancies are made suitable (job carving) and guidance for the target group is organized. This means that there is cooperation with the employer, based on his needs and opportunities.

Based on their mission and vision, WSP Parkstad has identified the following goals for the future:

- Realizing a higher participation rate in the Parkstad region.

- Realizing lower social costs.

- Maximizing outflow profit.

- Realizing a channel to the labor market.

Enabling factors:

- Partnerships are key. Municipalities and social service organizations are helping them in building a solid entry line for workers and coach them to be ready to work, while WSP Parkstad supports them in realizing their political inclusive goals. 

- State subsidiary programmes like the Participation Act and the Sheltered employment act (WSW) sets the right leal framework and the right financial incentives to attract employers into hiring people with occupational disabilities.

- Long-term agreement, for example of 3-4 years with RD4, guarantees sustainable employment for the workforce.

Challenges:

- There is more demand than there is supply of labour. It is difficult to keep up with demand as they do not experience new entries in their workforce pool, while the workforce is ageing.

- State subsidiary programmes apply differently to different people, sometimes employers also have to pay towards the subsidy.

- Language barriers may arise, for example with refugees that get referred on when they report to city council for social benefits.