Dutch trade groups criticise rejection of staff discount scheme

Dutch trade associations have criticised parliament’s rejection of an amendment to preserve tax-free staff discounts, a benefit the government plans to abolish from next year.

The proposal to keep the arrangement was rejected in the House of Representatives on Thursday evening. The organisations, representing sectors including retail, travel, culture, hospitality and services, said a group of 25 associations had opposed scrapping it.

In a joint statement, they said the decision was a “major blow” to hundreds of thousands of employees and employers who wanted to retain the benefit. They said they would continue talks with the government and politicians to find a solution.

Under the current rules, employers can offer staff up to €500 a year in tax-free discounts on their own products, with each discount capped at 20 per cent. The government wants to end the scheme next year.