On average, how long does a reintegration process take?

A second track reintegration process takes an average of 6 to 12 months, depending on the employee’s situation. The exact duration is determined by factors such as age, employability and the perspective of appropriate work. Legally, the process must be started no later than week 52 of the illness. If you do not do that, as an employer, you run the risk of a wage penalty from the UWV.

Average duration of a second track route

In practice, it takes a second-track reintegration route mostly between 6 and 12 months. This period is necessary for:

• Labour market exploration
• Coaching or career guidance
• Recruitment guidance
• Job hunting or trial placements
• Get any (re) training or work experience

The total duration may not exceed the waiting period of 104 weeks, unless the UWV imposes a wage penalty.

When should your second track start?

The employer is legally obliged to 2nd track reintegration by week 52 at the latest to start, if returning to one’s own work or other work within the company (1st track) is no longer feasible.

Are you starting too late? Then the UWV can judge that you have not fulfilled your reintegration obligations. This often leads to a wage penalty, where, as an employer, you must continue to pay the salary up to an additional year.

What does the duration of the process depend on?

The exact length of the route depends very much on the circumstances. Common influencing factors include:

• Employee age
  Older employees often take longer to find suitable work.
• Labour market opportunities
  In sectors with a lot of demand, placement is faster.
• Medical resilience
  The more limited the options, the more intensive the guidance.
• Education level and work experience
  More broadly employable candidates usually find suitable work more quickly.
• Employee motivation and commitment
  Active cooperation accelerates the process considerably.

What if the second track reintegration fails?

If the reintegration process has not led to placement after two years of illness, the UWV will assess whether sufficient effort has been made. In addition, the UWV looks at:

• The start date of the 2nd track
• The actions taken (documentation in the reintegration file)
• The cooperation between employer and employee

Was the process started too late or was it not sufficiently substantiated? This often follows a wage penalty of up to 1 year.

Summary: how long does the second track take?

• Average duration: 6 to 12 months
• Legal deadline for starting: by week 52 at the latest
• Maximum duration: until the end of the waiting period (104 weeks)
• Risk of starting too late: wage penalty from the UWV

More information at the UWV

The official rules and current amounts or deadlines are available at UWV about reintegration. These can change, so always check them at the source itself for a concrete situation.

Looking for guidance with a track 2 process?

Care4Careers supports employers and employees with expert guidance, customized solutions and complete file structure. Feel free to contact us.

A good understanding of the duration and processes within second-track reintegration is essential for both employers and employees to successfully return to the labour market.