Four out of 10 Dutch workers with a flexible contract say they have difficulty making ends meet, compared with fewer than one in five people with a traditional fixed contract, according to union research.

The research, involving 4,200 people, was handed over to social affairs minister Lodewijk Asscher on Thursday.

Some 30% of people with ‘on call’ contracts and 40% of temps say it is hard to find an affordable place to live, compared with one in 10 people in permanent jobs.

The research also shows 15% of people on flexible contracts earn less than the minimum wage, which is currently €9.58 an hour. One in four claims not to be paid for all the hours they work.

On call

‘Think about the pharmacy assistant who has to be available to work 40 hours but is only factored in for 20,’ FNV spokeswoman Mariëtte Patijn said in a statement.

‘Healthcare workers and teachers are also being forced into jobs with more uncertainty, which is having an impact on the quality of public service. This is the first time we have been able to show what the impact is on people’s lives.’

The FNV says nine in 10 people on flexible contracts would rather have a permanent job.