Do you have questions about hiring student workers? Find clear and up-to-date answers below. Ready to get started? Request a no-obligation quote.
Changes from 2026
What changes for employers from January 1, 2026?
From January 1, 2026 a new NBBU CLA is in force with significant consequences for employers and clients.
The most important changes:
- Pay parity replaces the previous remuneration system. Temporary workers become entitled to an employment package that is at minimum equivalent to that of a permanent employee at the client organization.
- Improved pension scheme. Pension accrual starts from the first working day and pension becomes part of the equivalence test.
- Revised phase system. Phase B/3 is shortened from 3 to 2 years once the legislation takes effect. The break period between temporary contracts is extended from 6 to 60 months.
- Tailored employment conditions. Various CLA provisions such as holiday days, training obligations and sick pay are aligned with what the client offers.
For you as a client:
- Potentially higher costs due to improved employment conditions and pension accrual.
- Increased administrative obligations to comply with the equivalence rule.
- An opportunity to demonstrate that your organization is modern and attractive to flexible workers.
Request a quote and we will help you assess the impact for your organization.
Recruitment and selection
How does Recruit a Student help with staff shortages?
During peak periods or in cases of long-term absence, you quickly need extra hands. Recruit a Student has a nationwide pool of over 25.000 students at vocational and university level.
Thanks to careful screening, we supply motivated candidates with minimal onboarding time. From recruitment to contract and scheduling, we take the entire process off your hands, so you can focus on your business.
How can I recruit staff through Recruit a Student?
Do you want to recruit temporary or part-time student workers? We handle the recruitment, selection and scheduling. All you need to do is choose the right candidate.
Thanks to our extensive database and nationwide coverage, you will be up and running quickly.
How quickly can Recruit a Student provide a suitable candidate?
Thanks to our active database of over 25.000 registered students and daily new registrations, we can in most cases present a suitable candidate within a few working days. For urgent staffing needs or peak periods, it is best to get in touch as early as possible so we have sufficient time to make a suitable match.
Can I hire multiple students at the same time for a peak period?
Yes, that is actually one of Recruit a Student's strengths. Thanks to our nationwide student pool, we can respond quickly even to larger staffing requests. Whether you need two or twenty extra pairs of hands during a busy period, we will find the right solution.
What is the difference between a temporary worker and a seconded student?
With temporary staffing, Recruit a Student is the legal employer and the arrangement is based on a temporary employment agreement. The student performs work under supervision and direction.
With secondment, a student is placed with you for a longer period on a more specific project, often at university of applied sciences or university level. The legal structure is similar, but the nature of the assignment is generally more complex and project-based.
Want to know which option best suits your situation? Contact the Recruit a Student office near you.
How does invoicing work? Do I receive one invoice?
Yes, Recruit a Student send you one clear invoice per week or per four weeks, depending on the agreed arrangement. The invoice lists all hours worked and the corresponding hourly rate including employer costs. This gives you a clear overview at all times with no separate cost items.
Questions about invoicing? Get in touch with your Recruit a Student branche.
Contracts and legal
Does a temporary worker receive a contract through Recruit a Student?
Yes, the student always enters into a contract with Recruit a Student as the legal employer. For you as a client this means:
- Less administrative burden.
- Limited employer risks.
- We handle payroll, absence insurance and all guidance.
Does a temporary worker have a probationary period?
A temporary worked placed through Recruit a Student only has a probationary period if the contract has a duration of at least three months. The maximum duration of the probationary period follows the statutory rules.
What is the notice period for temporary workers?
For phase 1 and phase 2, a temporary worker can stop at any time with one working day's notice. The staffing agency must notify the client seven calendar days in advance upon termination.
For a fixed-term employment contract (phase 3), the following notice periods apply:
| Contract duration | Notice period |
|---|---|
| Less than 3 months | 1 week |
| 3 to 6 months | 2 weeks |
| More than 6 months | 1 month |
What general terms and conditions apply when hiring?
When hiring student workers through Recruit a Student, the standard general terms and conditions for temporary staffing apply. These contain all provisions regarding collaboration, rates, contract duration, termination, and responsibilities.
Can I hire a student directly after the placement period?
Yes, that is certainly possible. After the placement period you can hire a student directly. This is also known as a takeover or transfer clause. Costs may be involved depending on the agreed terms and the duration of the placement period.
Want to know what conditions apply to your situation? Contact us for more information.
What if a student does not work out? Can I end the arrangement early?
Yes, in phase 1 and phase 2, the placement can be terminated at any time with seven calendar day's notice. There is no long-term obligation in that case.
If a student is not the right fit, contact your Recruit a Student account manager as soon as possible. We will work together to find a suitable solution, including a replacement if desired.
Collective labour agreement (CLA) and employment conditions
Which collective labour agreement does Recruit a Student use?
Recruit a Student applies the NBBU collective labour agreement (CLA) for temporary workers. The NBBU is the Dutch Association of Intermediary and Staffing Companies. The NBBU CLA sets out all employment conditions that apply to temporary workers. These must be equivalent to those in the client's own CLA.
Do you have questions about the CLA? Contact the Recruit a Student branche near you.
How does the phase system of the NBBU CLA work?
We work in accordance with the NBBU CLA for temporary workers. The phase system consists of four phases:
| Phase | Duration | Contract type |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Up to 26 working weeks | Loose weekly contracts |
| Phase 2 | Max. 104 worked weeks (~2 years) | Weekly contracts |
| Phase 3 | Max. 52 weeks | Fixed-term |
| Phase 4 | Indefinite | Permanent employment |
Please note: For new placements, the maximum combined duration of phase 1 + phase 2 is often limited to 52 worked weeks. Always verify the current CLA and the rules applicable to each assignment.
Is a student entitled to a travel expense allowance?
Under the NBBU CLA, a temporary worker is entitled to the same travel expense arrangement as regular employees at the client organization. In practice this is less frequently applicable to students, as many have a student public transport subscription. Nevertheless, always check the client's applicable conditions.
How do holiday days work for student workers?
A temporary worker accrues holiday days based on wages earned. For a full working week, that is at least four times the agreed number of working hours per week. If the student does not work the entire year or does not work full-time, they accrue a proportional amount.
Upon expiry of the contract, any unused holiday days can be paid out.
Who pays the student during sick leave?
Recruit a Student remains the legal employer during a placement. We bear the risk and arrange continued salary payment or sickness benefit in accordance with the CLA and legislation.
For you as the client, this means: no extra administrative burder or unexpected costs.
Rates and costs
What does it cost to hire a student as a temporary worker?
A student as a temporary worker is on average up to 20% more cost-effective compared to permanent staff. This is because students are often paid according to youth wage scales and can be deployed flexibly across various roles. This means cost savings and flexibility in one.
What are the rates at Recruit a Student?
Rates depend on the role, region, level of education and duration of the assignment. Because students often fall under youth wage scales, we can offer attractive pricing models. You will always receive a transparent quote in advance, so you know exactly what to expect.
Poolmanager en planning
How does Recruit a Student's Poolmanager work?
Our online Poolmanager gives you 24/7 insight into the scheduling, progress and hours registration of your temporary workers. You receive a login code to access our website.
- See exactly who is working, where they are working and when they are working.
- Submit new requests directly.
- Maintain control and overview, even across multiple assignments and branches.
Do you have a question about Poolmanager? Contact the Recruit a Student branche in your area.
Do you want to find the right student quickly?
Request a no-obligation quote or get in touch by phone.