Companies step in to preserve employee discount for staff

The Dutch government plans to abolish the employee discount scheme, which allows workers to buy products at a discount. This decision has sparked opposition from 25 industry organizations and the FNV union, who argue that the scheme is valuable for both employees and employers. The scheme currently allows discounts of up to 20% on products, capped at 500 euros per employee annually. A study suggested the scheme lacks societal purpose, prompting the government to seek savings amid rising energy costs. If abolished, companies could still provide tax-free gifts, but this would reduce their available budget for employee benefits. The Tweede Kamer is debating the tax plan that includes this abolition, with hopes for amendments from industry groups.