Anger as job centre sponsors skater

MPs from all parties have reacted angrily to the news that the state unemployment benefit office is sponsoring American speed skater Shani Davis.


From January, the government job centres (CWI) and unemployment benefit office (UWV) are to work to work together in a new organisation known as the Werkbedrijf. And the UWV hopes the sponsorship deal will boost awareness of the new name, news agency ANP reports.
‘This cannot be done,’ Liberal MP Stef de Blok told ANP. ‘Money from workers and employers should not be used for sponsorship,’ said Socialist MP Paul Ulenbelt. MPs plan to ask social affairs minister Piet Hein Donner for an explanation later today.
The organisation refuses to say how much money is involved but said the deal cost less than a quarter page advert in all the national newspapers.
‘Millions of Dutch people follow speed skating. And to make sure the Werkbedrijf functions properly, jobseekers and employers need to know where to find us,’ ANP quoted him as saying.

Thank you for donating to DutchNews.nl.

We could not provide the Dutch News service, and keep it free of charge, without the generous support of our readers. Your donations allow us to report on issues you tell us matter, and provide you with a summary of the most important Dutch news each day.

Make a donation