Available for Work in Tilburg

Available for Work in Tilburg

Available for work is an essential requirement for a WW benefit, especially for Tilburg residents who become unemployed in this vibrant city with abundant logistics and retail jobs. This means you must be able to start a job immediately, actively apply for positions, and be open to suitable work that aligns with your skills, health, and circumstances. In Tilburg, near key transport hubs like the A58 and rail lines, failing to comply will result in the loss of your benefit.

Legal Basis

The rules on available for work are laid down in the Unemployment Act (WW), specifically Article 13 WW. A jobseeker from Tilburg is considered available if they are immediately employable based on their capacity for work. The zone of suitability (see Article 13, subsections 2 and 3 WW) is flexible in the initial phase: during the first two months, up to 10% lower income and hours. Thereafter, it becomes stricter: maximum 5% lower. For Tilburg residents receiving social assistance, the Participation Act via the Municipality of Tilburg may also apply, but WW claims are assessed by UWV. Sanctions such as wage sanctions of up to 100% (Article 28 WW) apply in cases of non-compliance.

What Does Available for Work Mean in Tilburg?

Be immediately employable: no unannounced vacations, flexible with hours, and willing to commute within the region (e.g., to Breda or Eindhoven). Actively applying is crucial: at least 4 applications per month, as required by UWV. Suitable work follows your zone of suitability:

• First 2 months of WW: jobs with max. 10% less pay/hours, travel time up to 3 hours (convenient from Tilburg Centrum).
• Thereafter: max. 5% lower, tailored to your education and experience, such as warehouse roles at local logistics firms.

Have a part-time job or freelance work in Tilburg? Prioritize employment contracts. Students at Tilburg University or pensioners face additional conditions.

Zone of Suitability in Tilburg Context

Examples from Tilburg

Example 1: Karel, a 45-year-old Tilburg resident and former textile factory manager (€4,000 salary). In the first two months, he applies for €3,600+ roles; he must accept an assistant position (€3,500) at a local retailer. Later, minimum €3,800.

Example 2: Fatima, a pregnant resident of Tilburg-Noord, wants part-time work. UWV makes adjustments; after birth, short-term care leave applies, followed by full availability.

Example 3: Lars runs a freelance graphic design business alongside WW. He complies by prioritizing salaried employment and applying weekly via local portals, or UWV will stop his benefit.

Exceptions for Tilburg Residents

Sometimes you may be temporarily less available:

• Illness: Report to UWV for Sickness Benefits (Sickness Benefit).
• Care leave: Up to 6 weeks/year via UWV.
• Study: Allowed if job applications continue, e.g., at Avans University of Applied Sciences.
• Vacation: Max. 4 weeks/year with UWV approval.

Rights and Obligations in Tilburg

Rights:

1. UWV intake and personal work plan (AVP).
2. Objection within 4 weeks; appeal to the District Court of Zeeland-West-Brabant in Breda.
3. Support from re-integration services via Werkzaak Tilburg.

Obligations:

1. Weekly registration in the UWV IKK portal.
2. Keep proof of job applications (job numbers, responses).
3. Report changes to UWV and the Municipality of Tilburg.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for Tilburg Residents

Avoid issues:

• Document everything: Keep job applications and UWV emails.
• UWV portal: Update weekly.
• Seek help: Werkzaak Tilburg or Apply for WW.
• Legal advice: Free intake at Juridisch Loket Tilburg.
• Network: LinkedIn, temp agencies in Spoorzone, job fairs via Municipality of Tilburg.

Related: Apply for WW, WW Wage Sanction, Zone of Suitability.