Junior finance minister Eric Wiebes told the Financieele Dagblad on Wednesday he expects some 5,200 people will finally take advantage of a voluntary redundancy package offered by the tax office.

In total, 6,900 of the department’s 30,000 staff – or almost 25% – expressed an interest in the scheme, Wiebes told the paper. The original target was 4,800.

At the same time, the department is advertising for 1,500 new members of staff who are up to date with ‘modern technology’, Wiebes said.

The closing date for applications for redundancy is September 1. The departures will be phased in to ensure the continuity of the operation, Wiebes told the paper.

Leavers have been offered a maximum golden handshake of €75,000 or a year’s salary if higher.

According to the FD, many of those applying for redundancy come from the department’s team of inspectors and accountants, who are already in short supply.

Albert van der Smissen of white collar union NCF told the paper some departments have ’emptied in their entirety’.