Vitality Pact

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Start working less?

Will you be reaching the AOW state pension age within five years and would you like to start working less? In that case, the Vitality pact is a possible option. If you take part in the Vitality pact, you will reduce the number of working hours per week while maintaining your pension accrual. You can read more about the scheme here.

About the Vitality Pact

The Vitality pact is a component of the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (cao-NU). You can find the Vitality Pact scheme in chapter 6, paragraph 2. The number of holiday hours per year is reduced to 5 times your working hours for the remaining number of working days. In addition, you build up extra leave every week because you work a little more than the part-time factor of your new working week.

WHAT DOES THE PACT ENTAIL?

The University of Twente offers you the option of working 0.2 FTE or 0.4 FTE less from five years before your AOW entitlement age (if you are currently working full-time) at a remuneration of 90% or 80% of your original salary up to and including scale 7, while retaining full pension accrual. From scale 8 onwards, remuneration of 85% or 70% applies, with retention of the full pension accrual. The number of holiday hours per year is reduced to five times your working hours for the remaining number of working days. In addition, you build up extra leave every week by working slightly more than the part-time factor of your new working week.

Do you work part-time? Then the scheme applies proportionally. From 1 August 2023, University of Twente will compensate part of your income and your pension accrual will remain unaffected.

Alternative

% that you work

% of the salary that you receive

Pension accrual

Alternative A

80%

90% (up to scale 7)

100%


80%

85% (from scale 8)

100%

Alternative B

60%

80% (up to scale 7)

100%


60%

70% (from scale 8)

100%

WHEN CAN YOU PARTICIPATE IN THE VITALITY PACT?

You can participate in the Vitality pact if:

  • you will reach the AOW state pension age within five years;
  • you have been employed by the University of Twente for at least 10 years;
  • your working week will be at least 16 hours after entering into the Vitality pact;
  • you are not making use of a regulation for senior staff.

WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS OF THE VITALITY PACT?

  • If you participate in the Vitality Pact scheme, your participation will continue until you have reached the AOW state pension age. If your employment is terminated for a different reason, the Vitality pact will come to an end earlier.
  • If you opt for the Vitality pact with 80% of working hours, you can choose after a year to extend the scheme and work only 60% of your full-time hours. You must, however, continue to work at least 16 hours.
  • You can only participate after your accumulated leave from the long-term saving model (e.g. sabbatical) has been taken in full and the number of hours of leave has been reduced to a maximum of one year's credit in relation to the number of holiday hours to which you are entitled annually on the basis of your original employment contract.
  • If you participate in the Vitality pact, you will not get back the hours by which your work volume has been reduced.. This is because the financial resources released will be used for recruitment and promotion within the University.

You can find an overview of all the binding conditions in the cao-NU, Article 6.13 to 6.16; 

HOW DO I APPLY FOR THE VITALITY PACT?

If you wish to take part, you need to submit your request three months before you want to start via MyHR/Afas.

A request will be approved unless there are serious business interests involved. It is also possible that you will be able to take part at a later time, for example at the start of a new academic year.

How do I transfer my tasks?

We want to prevent you or your colleagues from experiencing extra work pressure as a result of taking part in the Vitality Pact. That is why we make sure that your tasks are reduced proportionally to the hours you work less. The interpretation of the new working week and the transfer of some of your tasks will therefore take place in consultation between you and your manager. You record the agreements made on the 'task transfer form' that you will find in Afas/MYHR. You must upload the completed form with your application.

QUESTIONS

Do you still have questions about the Vitality pact? Go to more info on financial aspects and the FAQ below.
Is your question not being answered, or do you want to discuss something? Please contact your manager or your HR advisor.  

  • Financial aspects

    On this page, we would like to give you an idea of the financial aspects of participation in the Vitality pact. 

    SALARY

    Your salary will be reduced. In addition, bonuses will be calculated on the basis of the reduced salary, with the exception of a bonus for a government service or university anniversary. The official working hours per week are not affected. You are granted special leave for the hours that you do not work.

    YOUR PENSION

    You will accrue your full pension on the original working hours. Together, we will also continue to pay the pension contribution on the original working hours. Do you want to supplement your income during the period that you make use of the Vitality pact? In that case, you can opt to join the ABP Multi-Option Pension (KeuzePensioen) fund. You will then use part of the pension to supplement your income. You decide whether and how much pension you want to use (a minimum of 10%). However, there is no obligation to do this. There are conditions attached to taking up the ABP Multi-Option Pension. You can find these conditions on www.abp.nl.

    LEAVE

    The number of holiday hours per year is reduced to the legal minimum over the remaining number of working days five times the remaining number of working hours per week. (Before 1 August 2021, the number of holiday hours was reduced to four times the remaining number of working hours per week.). In addition, you will accrue extra leave each week because you are working somewhat more than the part-time factor of your new working week.

    The table below shows your annual holiday entitlement (as of 1 August 2021) in the case of participation in the scheme as well as the number of hours that you work per week under the new arrangement.

    Alternative A

    20% special leave

    Size of current employment (fte)

    Old working week (hrs)

    Size of new working week (fte/hours)

    Working hours of new working week

    Annual holiday entitlement (in hours)

    1.00

    38

    0.80 / 30.4

    32

    228

    0.95

    36

    0.76 / 28.8

    30

    216

    0.84

    32

    0.67 / 25.6

    26.5

    192

    0.79

    30

    0.63 / 24.0

    25

    180

    0.74

    28

    0.59 / 22.4

    23.5

    168

    0.63

    24

    0.51 / 19.2

    20

    144

    0.53

    20

    0.42 / 16.0

    16.5

    120

    0.50

    19

    0.40 / 15.2

    16

    114

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Alternative B

    40% special leave

     

    1.00

    38

    0.60 / 22.8

    24

    171

    0.95

    36

    0.57 / 21.6

    22.5

    162

    0.84

    32

    0.51 / 19.2

    20

    144

    0.79

    30

    0.47 / 18.0

    18.5

    135

    0.74

    28

    0.44 / 16.8

    17.5

    126

    0.68

    26

    0.41 / 15.6

    16

    117


    ADDITIONAL INCOME

    If you take part in the Vitality pact, you are not allowed to engage in any new paid ancillary activities or expand your existing ancillary activities. If you already have additional income on top of your contract of employment with the University, you can continue to receive this. Before you take part in the Vitality pact, The University has to have approved this additional income by means of the Ancillary Activities registration in MyHR/Afas.

    UNDERSTANDING YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE

    We think it is important that you are well aware of the personal consequences of participating in the Vitality Pact, possibly in combination with the inclusion of ABP Keuzepensioen. If you are eligible for the vitality pact, we therefore offer you the opportunity to gain more financial insight before participating in the vitality pact. Send an email (with your contact details) to info@finbase.nl. They will then contact you to plan an appointment.

    NO ADDITIONAL WORKLOAD

    We want to ensure that neither you nor your colleagues experience a greater workload as a result of your participation in the Vitality pact. We therefore ensure that your tasks are reduced in line with the reduction in the hours that you work. The organisation of the new working week and the transfer of some of your tasks will therefore be arranged in consultation between you and your manager. You will draw up a new work roster together. The financial resources released will be used within the faculty or service department to promote recruitment or promotion.

    WHAT IF I SUFFER FROM A LONG-TERM ILLNESS AFTER JOINING THE VITALITY PACT?

    If you suffer from a long-term illness after joining the Vitality pact, your participation in the pact will end after nine months of occupational disability. The reduction due to occupational disability will then be based on your salary prior to taking part in the Vitality pact.

    EXAMPLES OF MONTHLY SALARY CALCULATIONS

    The sample calculations below show the effect on your gross and net salary in the case of participation in alternative A or B of the Vitality pact.

     

     

    Alternative A

    80/85/100

    Alternative B

    60/70/100

    Full-time monthly salary

    Scale 7

     

     

    Gross

    €3,025

    €2,571

    €2,118

    Net

    €2,197

    €1,943

    €1,690

    Full-time monthly salary

    Scale 10

     

     

    Gross

    €4,274

    €3,633

    €2,992

    Net

    €2,842

    €2,483

    €2,125

    Full-time monthly salary

    Scale 13

     

     

    Gross

    €6,133

    €5,213

    €4,293

    Net

    €3,675

    €3,276

    €2,763

    This refers to a standard calculation based on the salary that applies as of 1 February 2019 and the tax brackets and social security contributions for 2019, as far as they are known, and without bonuses or additional deductions such as IPAP (loss-of-income insurance in the event you become unable to work). No rights can be derived from these calculation examples.   

  • FAQ
    • What is the Vitality pact?

      The Vitality pact is a scheme that aims to contribute to the health, happiness and productivity of university employees so they can continue working until they reach retirement age. The change in staffing also benefits recruitment and promotion.
      The basic principle of the scheme is that it is neutral from a budgetary point of view and that implementation of the scheme does not lead to a disproportionate increase in workload.

    • When should my decision be final?

      You must apply for the Vitality Pact no later than 3 months before the start date. Boarding is possible on the first day of each month if you reach the AOW state pension age within 5 years.

    • How long will the scheme apply?

      If you join the Vitality pact, it will continue to apply until you have reached the AOW state pension age. If your employment is terminated for a different reason, then your participation in the Vitality pact will also end. This applies for example if you decide to make full use of the ABP Multi-Option Pension plan (KeuzePensioen). The Vitality pact will also end in the event of long-term complete occupational disability, in which case the scheme will end after 9 months.

    • At what age may I take part in the Vitality pact?

      If at the moment of entering the scheme you are five years away from reaching AOW state pension age, then you may join.

    • Can the University of Twente deny a request?

      Yes the UT can refuse participation, but only on the grounds of compelling business interests or if there is an unacceptable increase in your or your colleagues’ workload. It is also possible that you will be able to take part at a later time. This may be the case for example during times when there are serious operational management issues due to unfilled vacancies. In this case, your participation can be postponed until the beginning of the next academic year at the latest.

    • Which variants are there to choose from?

      Up to salary scale 7 (effective from 1 August 2023):

      • Option A: 80% work - 90% salary - 100% pension accrual
      • Option B: 60% work - 80% salary - 100% pension accrual

      Salary scale 8 and above:

      • Option A: 80% work - 85% salary - 100% pension accrual
      • Option B: 60% work - 70% salary - 100% pension accrual
    • Which conditions apply to participation?
      • You have been employed by the University of Twente for at least 10 years;
      • Your working week will be at least 16 hours after entering into the Vitality pact;
      • You may not participate in a regulation for senior staff.
      • If you join the Vitality pact, the scheme will continue to apply until you have reached the AOW state pension age. If your employment is terminated for a different reason, then your participation in the Vitality pact will also end. This applies for example if you decide to make full use of the ABP Multi-Option Pension plan (KeuzePensioen).
      • Have you decided to opt for the Vitality pact with 80% of your working hours? If so, you can choose after a year to extend the scheme and work only 60% of your full-time hours. You must, however, continue to work at least 16 hours.
      • If you participate in the Vitality pact, you will not get back those hours you started working less. This is because the financial resources released will be used for recruitment and promotion within the university.

      You can find an overview of all the binding conditions in the cao-NU, the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities, Articles 6.13 to 6.16.

    • Is it possible to switch between variants in the meantime?

      Yes, if you participate in the 80- 90/85-100 variant, then you may switch to the 60- 80/70 -100 variant after 1 year. You must, however, continue to work at least 16 hours. This is because the financial resources released will be used for recruitment and promotion within the university.

    • Will the Vitality pact affect my bonuses?

      Yes. Because your salary will be reduced, bonuses will be calculated based on the reduced salary (90 or 85 to 80 or 70% respectively). There is an exception: the bonus for a service anniversary or university anniversary.

    • I work part-time. Can I then participate in the scheme?

      Yes, you may. There is, however, a lower limit. You must continue to work at least 16 hours per week.

    • When participating in the Vitality pact, will I be allowed to perform ancillary work elsewhere?

      If you take part in the Vitality pact, you are not allowed to engage in any new paid ancillary activities or expand your existing ancillary activities. If you already have additional income on top of your contract of employment with the university, you can continue to receive this. Before you take part in the Vitality pact, you need to receive approval for this additional income by means of the registration of Ancillary Activities via MyHR/AFAS.

    • Will participation in the Vitality pact affect your pension accrual? And what is the distribution of the pension contribution?

      The distribution of the pension contribution (30% employee and 70% employer) remains intact and is calculated over 100% of the original salary plus salary allowances and bonuses. This means your pension contribution remains the same as well as your pension accrual.

    • Can I supplement my income during the period that I participate in the Vitality pact?

      You may opt to take full or partial retirement with the ABP Multi-Option Pension (KeuzePensioen) scheme. You will then use part of the pension to supplement your income. You decide whether and how much pension you want to use (a minimum of 10%). However, there is no obligation to do this. There are conditions attached to taking up the ABP Multi-Option Pension. You can find these conditions on www.abp.nl.

    • Is there a minimum participation period?

      Participation remains in effect until the employee leaves employment or at least until the AOW State Pension Age. You can join between 5 years before your AOW age and your AOW age on any first day of the month.

    • How and where can I register?

      If you wish to take part, you need to submit your request three months before you want to start. You will receive a response from your employer within one month. A request will be approved, unless there are compelling reasons not to, including business interests or if there’s an unacceptable increase in your or your colleagues’ workload. It is also possible that you will be able to take part at a later time, for example at the start of a new academic year.

      You can sign up for the Vitality Pact in MyHR/AFAS. Here you will find the registration form and the task transfer form. You must add both forms to your application.

    • I participate in the Senior Staff Scheme ; can I also join the Vitality pact?

      No, if you participate in the  Senior Staff Scheme 2006” (Article B20 and B21, Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities) then you may not join the Vitality pact.

    • What if I suffer from a long-term illness after joining the Vitality pact?

      What happens if I become ill and 100% occupationally disabled after signing up for the Vitality pact? If you suffer from a long-term illness after joining the Vitality pact, your participation in the pact will end after nine months of occupational disability. The reduction due to occupational disability will then be based on your salary prior to joining the Vitality pact.

    • I still have accumulated leave for a sabbatical in the long-term saving model in the Optional Model for Employment Conditions, can I take this while I’m taking part in the Vitality pact?

      No, all accumulated leave must be taken before the commencement date.

    • I still have excessive unused leave, can I take this while I’m taking part in the Vitality pact?

      No, all accumulated leave in the Optional Model of Employment Conditions must be taken before the commencement date. Also, the leave balance at the start of the Vitality pact may not be more than an annual balance in the context of your original employment contract.

    • Can I take out pension while I’m participating in the Vitality pact?

      Yes, you can take out a pension in addition to participating in the Vitality pact within 5 years of your AOW state pension age. For more information: www.abp.nl.

    • What if I want to retire earlier?

      You can resign at any time, subject to the notice period, and start taking out your pension. For more information about retiring (earlier), check out www.abp.nl.

    • How many days of leave do I accrue during the Vitality pact?

      The number of hours of annual leave will be reduced to five times the remaining size of the new working week. In addition, you will accrue extra leave each week because you are working a little more than the part-time factor of your new working week. The table below shows your annual holiday entitlement in the case of participation in the scheme as well as the number of hours that you work under the new arrangement.

      Option A

      20% special leave

      Size of current employment

      Former working week

      Size of new working week (fte / hrs)

      Working hours of new working week

      Annual holiday entitlement (in hours)

      1.00

      38

      0.80 / 30.4

      32

      228

      0.95

      36

      0.76 / 28.8

      30

      216

      0.84

      32

      0.67 / 25.6

      26.5

      192

      0.79

      30

      0.63 / 24.0

      25

      180

      0.74

      28

      0.59 / 22.4

      23.5

      168

      0.63

      24

      0.51 / 19.2

      20

      144

      0.53

      20

      0.42 / 16.0

      16.5

      120

      0.50

      19

      0.40 / 15.2

      16

      114

       

       

       

       

       

       

      Option B

      40% special leave

       

      1.00

      38

      0.60 / 22.8

      24

      171

      0.95

      36

      0.57 / 21.6

      22.5

      162

      0.84

      32

      0.51 / 19.2

      20

      144

      0.79

      30

      0.47 / 18.0

      18.5

      135

      0.74

      28

      0.44 / 16.8

      17.5

      126

      0.68

      26

      0.41 / 15.6

      16

      117

    • What steps are involved in scheduling my new working week?

      Agreements about your new remit will be made in consultation with your supervisor. When you join the Vitality pact, we ensure that your tasks are reduced in line with the reduction in the hours that you work. This is to prevent that participation for you leads to an additional workload. Nor should it generate more work for your colleagues. The organization of the new working week and the transfer of some of your tasks will therefore be arranged in consultation between you and your manager. The financial resources released will be used within the faculty or service department to promote recruitment or promotion.


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