Know what you are entitled to

The Recreation Awards 2026 have begun. From today, professionals and organisations in the recreation sector can be nominated for the Recreation Awards 2026. Nominations can be submitted until 30 September via www.recreatieverkiezingen.nl. The winners will be announced on 9 December during the Day of Recreation. The awards focus on three categories: Best Training Company, Best Practical Trainer, and Employee of the Year. Anyone working in an organisation that falls under the Social Fund Recreation can be nominated by colleagues, supervisors, or interns. Talents in the workplace The recreation sector faces a structural challenge: attracting and retaining sufficiently qualified staff. Good guidance in the workplace is important in this regard. The Recreation Awards highlight which training companies and practical trainers excel in this area and inspire others to do the same. The awards also emphasise the connection between education and the professional field. Peter van Binsbergen from De Rooi Pannen: "By linking education with the professional field, we create opportunities for students to grow and excel in their future careers and personal Your career." Selection process An independent jury evaluates all entries. The jury consists of Herbert van Oord (HISWA-RECRON), Joost Plat (De Horecabond), Remko Vogelaar (S-BB), Peter van Binsbergen (De Rooi Pannen), and Johanneke Hagedoorn (Beerze Bulten, winner Best Training Company 2025-2026). The top 10 per category is invited to submit a short video or text. For Best Training Company, the jury visits the three finalists on location. The Recreation Awards are an initiative of Kikk recreation, HISWA-RECRON, De Horecabond, and CNV.  

Is it about now or later? Many people in contract catering are considering early retirement. Have you been working in the sector for 15 years or more? Then the RVU scheme might be interesting for you. The RVU scheme from 2026 The RVU scheme (Early Retirement Scheme) ended on 31 December 2025. As a result, you were unable to apply. Good news: there is a new RVU scheme. Established from 1 April 2026, you can submit an application for the RVU scheme. What are the conditions? You can make use of the scheme if you: have a strenuous occupation have worked in contract catering for at least 15 years were born between 1 February 1962 and 30 September 1964 are a maximum of 36 months before your state pension age (shorter is also allowed) Strenuous occupation: what does that mean? There is a list of roles designated as strenuous occupations. Is your role on the list? Then you meet this condition. Is your role not on the list? Then you may still be eligible. Always discuss this with your employer. Your employer can provide justification, after which it will be assessed whether your role is considered a strenuous occupation. When can you apply? You must submit your application: at least 3 months before your desired stop date at most 4 months before your desired stop date Example: Do you want to stop between 1 May and 31 July 2026? Then you must submit your application by 1 April 2026 at the latest. How much will you receive? The RVU benefit amounts to a maximum of: € 28,284 gross per year (2026) approximately € 2,357 gross per month Do you work part-time? Then you will receive a proportional part of this amount. Important to know You stop working completely You no longer accrue pension You do not receive holiday pay Working alongside the benefit is not allowed Note Do not resign before your application is approved You will always receive an official confirmation first Without approval, you are not entitled to the benefit Unsure? Do the check Ask yourself: Are you within 3 years of your state pension age? Do you have a strenuous occupation? Have you been working in the sector for 15 years or more? If you answer all questions with yes, then you may be eligible. More information or apply Do you want to know more or apply directly? Visit Ietsvoorjou.nu for all information about the RVU scheme.

Imagine: you receive a warning from your employer. It can be quite a shock. What should you do? And how do you ensure it doesn't work against you? In this blog, we explain it step by step. What exactly is an official warning? There is nothing in the law about official warnings. Companies often have their own rules for this. Sometimes you receive a warning on paper, sometimes via e-e-mail. Companies often also place such a warning in your staff file. And that can have consequences later, for example, if there is a dismissal procedure. Verbal warning Do you receive a verbal warning? Then your employer indicates that something needs to be improved according to them. Such a warning seems less severe than a written one, but take it seriously. A verbal warning can also be recorded later and count in your staff file. Do you receive multiple warnings? Then that can have consequences for, for example, your evaluation or even your job. What can you do? Ask what exactly needs to be improved and within what timeframe Document in an e-e-mail how you understood the conversation Do you disagree? Put your side of the story on paper Always respond in writing Do you receive an official warning? Then it is important to always respond in writing. Preferably do this via e-e-mail, so you have proof of your response. In your response, include: That you disagree with the warning. Why you disagree (provide arguments!). A request to your employer to withdraw the warning. A request to add your response to your staff file. Why is this important? This way, you prevent only negative information about you from being in the file. And should your employer later decide to start a dismissal procedure, you have at least documented your side of the story.