Suitable Work in Reintegration in Amsterdam: Criteria and Your UWV Rights

## Introduction What is 'suitable work' in the Amsterdam context? In a vibrant city like Amsterdam, many sick employees refuse jobs in sectors such as hospitality or logistics at the port, with sanctions as a result. But not every job fits your situation. This article explains the legal criteria according to the WIA and the Gatekeeper Improvement Act, your rights to assess work, and how to safely refuse at the UWV office in Amsterdam Zuidoost. ## Criteria for Suitable Work According to the WIA and the Gatekeeper Improvement Act, suitable work in Amsterdam must meet: - **Your physical and mental capacities**: No overload, for example, no lifting in busy warehouses at the Westpoort. - **Education and experience**: Matching your background, such as office work for an ex-manager instead of bicycle courier in the city center. - **Travel distance and hours**: Reasonable in terms of public transport time from Amsterdam-Noord or IJburg, with flexibility for rush hour on the A10. - **Salary**: At least 90% of your old salary or the minimum wage, taking into account Amsterdam's high cost of living. Work that deviates – such as a full-time job at Schiphol without adjustment – may be refused provided you properly motivate this with the occupational health service. ## Your Rights You may refuse work if it is not suitable. The UWV Amsterdam assesses this objectively via a local insurance physician or occupational health service such as Arbo Unie. Always request written substantiation and make use of the digital counters on uwv.nl or the consultation hour at Amsterdam ArenA. ## Practical Examples A driver with back complaints from Amsterdam-West does not have to accept heavy lifting work at the IJmuiden port. A manager with burnout in De Pijp can refuse part-time administrative work in a stressful call center at the Zuidas. ## Advice Document everything, including public transport times and medical certificates, and consult a labour expert via the UWV or Juridisch Loket Amsterdam. This way you avoid sanctions in this dynamic labour market. (248 words)