More and more self-employed in the flex industry

May 9, 2020

In 2019, we counted 1.1 million self-employed people without personnel (zzp'ers) in the Netherlands. These are people for whom self-employment is the main job. This number has been rising for years. If we also count people for whom self-employment is a secondary income, this number is even higher. Total will we come around the 1.5 million mark. We encounter self-employed workers in all industries. One is often 45-plus and men are in the majority. Also, self-employed people are generally highly educated.

Here are some figures

Employed persons (15 to 75 years) by age
	15 to 25 years (%)	25 to 45 years (%)	45 to 75 years (%)
Zzp'er	5,7	34,9	59,4
Employee	17,5	41,5	41,0

Education level employed
	Low (%)	Secondary (%)	High (%)	Unknown (%)
Zzp'er	15,9	36,4	45,9	1,8
Employee	20,8	40,6	37,4	1,2

Source: CBS, figures from 2019

Why become self-employed?

There are several reasons why working people become self-employed. Often it is because people want to have more control over when and where they work. People also indicate that they are looking for a new challenge. Sometimes a wish of "own entrepreneurship" is also fulfilled.

It is rare to become self-employed because a contract is not renewed or because an employer wishes to enter into a flexible arrangement.

Netherlands in Europe on the 7^e location

Within the European Union (EU), 1 in 10 employed people (aged 15-75) is self-employed. The share of self-employed is highest in Greece (22%) and Romania (16%). In these countries this is due to the large share in the agricultural sector. The Netherlands occupies the 7th place within the EU (12%). The lowest share is in Denmark (5%).

In most European member states, the share of self-employed workers in the employed labor force is increasing. The Netherlands is one of the biggest growers.

Self-employed in the healthcare industry

In the Netherlands, we see a steady growth in the number of zzp'ers, especially in the healthcare sector. Often these are experienced caregivers who are tired of being employed by a care institution. Too many changing shifts and unclear policies worry is often given as a reason for A switch to a zzp construction. Since also the tax rules for freelancers have been broadened, self-employment is becoming increasingly popular. 

Risks of working as a self-employed healthcare professional

Once you are self-employed, you are also an entrepreneur. You have a private company. This means that you are acting for "your own account and risk." The liability for your actions lies with yourself. You also have to handle everything yourself: financial, tax, customer care and liability. In addition, you are responsible for your own debtor management, sometimes a chore.

Good back office support solves a lot

More and more self-employed individuals are choosing to outsource their back office tasks to a reliable back office support person As Payoffice B.V. This takes you very some work and sometimes worry from hands. Within our own ICT platform, your administration is in good hands with us and you have no to worry about. Timesheets, invoices, agreements, paychecks, everything is entered and managed digitally and everything is easy for everyone to see.

Based on your statement of hours, we bill your customer(s) and carry take care of accounts receivable management. We can automatically draft and digitally sign contracts and agreements with your customers. In addition, we can provide you with good advice in the area of applicable laws and regulations and available insurance. And all that For a very acceptable rate. It often even saves you money. 

Benefits of our back office for zzp'ers

• Transparent brokerage fees, no subscriptions or hidden fees.
• Own online platform where you can find everything related to contracts, timekeeping and invoicing.
• Outside filling in the hours there are no administrative actions for you.
• We bill the client for you. This means that we Taking care of accounts receivable management.
• You as a self-employed person invoice us, but this is done completely automatically once your hours are approved. Here you do not need to do anything else yourself to do.
• You will receive your money within 24 hours after the hours are approved.
• We provide agreements that guarantee VAT exemption by the tax authorities.
• Support with the Care Quality, Complaints and Disputes Act (Wkkgz) and, if required, with KIWA certification.

Would you like to know more the back office support for zzp'ers? Then feel free to contact us without obligation. By phone (office hours) 040 – 30 38 500 or by e-mail: info@payoffice.nl. We will be happy to inform you about the possibilities.