The 'Back to Work' Fund
On April 1, 2024, the Back to Work Fund went into effect, abolishing the outplacement requirement at the end of employment due to medical force majeure.
The Back to Work Fund involves a funding system to purchase specialized customized services, such as career counseling or personalized coaching, among others, for those who are recognized disabled and whose employment contract was terminated on the initiative of the employer due to medical force majeure (from April 1, 2024) or for those who have been recognized disabled as employees or job seekers for more than 1 year (only from April 1, 2025)
This TNW fund entails several implications for both employers and employees.
Impact on employers
As a result of the TNW Fund, employers are no longer required to offer outplacement assistance upon termination due to medical force majeure. Instead, they must deposit this amount into the new Back to Work Fund.
As of April 1, 2024, any employer claiming medical force majeure must terminate the employment contract:
- Notify the NIHDI of this (within 45 days of termination); and
- Then deposit a contribution of 1,800 euros into the TNW fund.
Effects on employees
Of course, the TNW Fund also brings changes for certain employees. You can appeal to the Back to Work Fund:
- From April 1, 2024: if you have been recognized as disabled and your employer has invoked medical force majeure to terminate your employment contract (no earlier than April 1, 2024). You must submit your application within a period of six months from the termination of the employment contract;
- As of April 1, 2025 (additional group): if you have been recognized as an employee or job seeker disabled for more than one year (disability).
Purpose of the TNW Fund.
The TNW Fund offers new prospects for people on disability. They can purchase customized specialized services such as career counseling or personalized coaching through an intervention of the TNW Fund, with the goal of taking steps toward employment with another employer.
Do you have questions about this complex matter? Our experts are here for you. Contact us at info@bannister.be or on 03 369 28 00
