Reducing labour market flexibility: A causal inference study on reform in The Netherlands
研究2020年荷兰《平衡劳动力市场法案》是否减少了临时工与永久工之间的差距，发现该法案减少了临时合同、增加了永久工人，但未发现向自雇就业转移的明确证据。
We investigate whether the Balanced Labour Market Act (WAB) of 2020, intended to reduce the disparity between permanent and temporary employees in The Netherlands, has achieved its desired aim. Using a synthetic control method, we find that the introduction of the WAB led to a substantial reduction in the number of temporary contracts, whereas the number of permanent workers increased. As of the WAB’s announcement in May 2019, strong anticipatory effects were evident. Inconclusive evidence of unintended side-effects, such as the substitution of temporary workers by self-employment work schemes, marks an avenue for future research. • The WAB is a labour market policy introduced in the Netherlands. • The WAB reduced disparity between permanent and temporary employees. • The WAB led to fewer temporary contracts and more permanent workers, as intended. • Strong anticipatory effects post WAB’s announcement in May 2019 were present. • No clear evidence of a shift to self-employment was observed.