UWV must also provide household assistance with benefits in case of illness

The Central Appeals Court ruled that domestic workers can claim sickness benefits, marking a significant step towards equal treatment with other employees. Previously, domestic workers had fewer rights and were excluded from mandatory insurance unless they worked over three days a week at the same address. The court found that excluding them from the Sickness Act constituted indirect discrimination, primarily affecting women. The ruling challenges existing regulations that were intended to reduce black market work but have proven ineffective. The UWV must reassess benefit applications without relying on this exclusion. Advocates argue that domestic work should be recognized as legitimate employment, and changes in policy are necessary to ensure fair treatment.