ZonMw subsidy to help newcomers enter the northern job market

Researchers at the University of Groningen have received a subsidy amounting to almost €350,000 from ZonMw, the Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development. The goal here is to develop interventions to help newcomers with a residence permit to find appropriate and sustainable jobs that will encourage their integration and minimize their dependency on benefits.

Training and toolbox

In 14 municipalities across Groningen/Northern Drenthe, newcomers with a residence permit are employed less than anywhere else in the Netherlands. If they do work, they are usually employed part-time or on a temporary basis. Many have to rely on the welfare system. Yet, there are a lot of vacancies in the region. Researchers of the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences will collaborate with the labour market region (including 13 municipalities) to organize a training course for account managers. This way, the account managers will be better prepared to supervise newcomers with residence permits in their search for a job. Furthermore, a toolbox will be developed to help the account managers to support employers in appointing newcomers.

Bi-directional system

Integration requires a bi-directional system, in which both the newcomers and the parties in the host society are committed to the integration process. The project is therefore aimed at collaboration between newcomers with a residence permit, employers, municipalities, and organizations such as Werk in Zicht, UWV Groningen, Divosa, Lemat/Nieuwlander, and Stichting Kwartiermakers.

Information

• Nina Hansen

• Liesbet Heyse