Top managers in the senior healthcare sector saw their salaries rise 19% in 2013, acording to figures published on Thursday by the Abvakabo FNV union.

Heading the list of the 50 top managers is Chris Marsman of the Kwadrant group in Drachten. He received €500,000 last year, €320,000 of which was a golden handshake.

Around 30 of the managers earned more than prime minister Mark Rutte, which the union says is ‘unacceptable’ in a time of cuts.

Since January 1 2013, healthcare managers may not earn more than a maximum 130% more than the prime minister’s €190,000.