How does the phase system work?

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UBN follows the ABU's phase system, which consists of three phases: A, B and C. The phase you are in depends on the number of weeks you work at the temporary employment agency.

Note: ABU's phase system changed in January 2022. If you start as a temporary worker after January 3, 2022, then the new system applies. If you started before that date, then a transitional arrangement applies and you will not fall under the new system until 2023.

Phases at a glance

• Phase A: 52 (worked) weeks
• Phase B: up to 3 years
• Phase C: indefinite period of time

Phase A

When you start as a temporary worker, you enter phase A. This phase lasts 52 weeks in which you work. Each week in which you work counts, regardless of the number of hours. As of January 2, 2023, weeks in which you have paid vacation also count, regardless of how many hours of vacation you take. Were you employed before Jan. 3, 2022? Then phase A lasts 78 weeks. After that, you move to phase B.

If you have worked longer than 52 weeks in phase A, there is a 10-day notice period before your assignment can end. At UBN, you get 4-week contracts in phase A that are renewed each time.

Interruption of work on phase A

Sometimes you cannot return to work immediately when a contract ends. If you don't work for less than 25 weeks, your weeks worked remain. The temporary employment agency will continue counting from where you left off. The weeks you worked at another agency also count.

Note: If you do not work for more than 6 months between two temporary employment contracts, you will start again in phase A of the phase system.

Phase B

Do you return to work for the same employment agency immediately after Phase A or within six months? Then you will enter phase B. Phase B lasts 3 years. During this period, you may get a maximum of six contracts. Were you already working before January 3, 2022? Then phase B takes 4 years.

In phase B, you agree on a fixed number of hours. For example, if you have a contract for 20 hours a week, but there is not enough work, you still get paid for 20 hours. Your fixed hours are the minimum you get paid.

Interruption of work on phase B

The end date of your contract is when counting begins. If you don't work for 26 weeks, your phase B contract expires. If you go back to work for the temp agency after that, you will start back in phase A.

Phase C

In phase C, you get a permanent contract for an indefinite period of time. You won't get any more new contracts because you already have a permanent contract.

Interruption of work on phase C

Your phase C contract expires if you stop working at the temp agency for more than 6 months. Do you start working at the temporary employment agency again afterwards? Then you start again at phase A.

Would you like to work as a temporary employee? Then take a quick look at our vacancies. At UBN we will help you find a job that suits you, so that you can start working with pleasure and energy.

View our vacancies here