What is second track reintegration?

Second track reintegration is a mandatory process where a long-term ill employee is guided to appropriate work with another employer. The second railway route will be deployed if it appears that returning within your own organization - also known as the first track - is not (anymore) possible. The use of a second railway route is mandatory under the Gatekeeper Improvement Act, and is often carried out in cooperation with a specialized reintegration agency.

When should second track reintegration be started?

One 2nd railway line start no later than the 52nd week of absenteeism, i.e. within six weeks of the first-year evaluation. In exceptional cases, the process may be postponed if it is clear that the employee can return permanently to adapted work with the current employer within three months. The company doctor or employment expert plays a central role in this.

Is second track reintegration mandatory for employers?

Yes, starting a second railway route is legally required when reintegration within your own company is not (anymore) possible. The employer must demonstrate this in the reintegration report. If the employer does not do this in time or carefully, the UWV can impose a wage penalty, whereby the salary must continue to be paid for up to one year longer.

The employee’s obligations in track 2

The employee is obliged to actively participate in the process. This means, among other things:

• Actively apply and participate in interviews
• Be present at appointments with the company doctor
• Contributing to an action plan
• Participation in coaching, training courses or trial placements

If the employee does not cooperate enough, this may have consequences for continued payment of wages or for a later WIA benefit. Also read: Rights and obligations at track 2

The employer’s obligations in track 2

The employer bears ultimate responsibility for the reintegration process and must:

• Start the 2nd track on time
• Draw up an action plan in consultation with the employee
• Conduct regular progress interviews (at least every 6 weeks)
• Provide appropriate support (e.g. via a reintegration agency)
• Record everything carefully in the reintegration file

What happens in a second rail route reintegration?

The reintegration of the second railway route usually consists of:

Recruitment guidance

Support in finding suitable work, such as preparing resumes, application training and networking.

Coaching and personal development

Think of (re) training, career orientation and guidance in dealing with change. See also: What exactly happens during a reintegration process?

Job hunting

Active mediation for vacancies with other employers.

Other possible parts:

• Labour market orientation
• Assessments or career tests
• Trial placement or work experience places
• Guidance towards self-employment

For target groups such as older employees or people with disabilities, there are often additional regulations (such as subsidies or job coaching).

What if someone does not follow the rules in track 2?

For the employee:

• Wage suspension or stop in case of insufficient cooperation
• Delay or rejection of the WIA benefit
• Negative expert opinion from UWV

For the employer:

• Wage penalty by UWV (continuing to pay wages for up to 1 year longer)
• This happens in the event of a late start, insufficient guidance or poor file management. If a process fails or leads to dismissal, there may be a right to a transition payment for track 2.

What does a reintegration agency do?

A professional reintegration agency supports both employer and employee in the process. They ensure:

• Process guidance
• Knowledge of laws and regulations
• Access to employer networks
• Creative solutions such as secondment or work experience places
• Knowledge of subsidy and guidance schemes

Due to the complexity of a reintegration process, the use of such a reintegration agency is often necessary to prevent errors and wage sanctions.

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 reintegration process?

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