# Netherlands sick‑leave and disability claim surge > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/netherlands-sickleave-and-disability-claim-surge > Updated: 2026-07-31T12:34:43.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2. In mid‑July, Dutch labour‑monitoring bodies reported a sharp increase in complaints from Polish migrant workers whose sick‑leave claims were being rejected by temporary‑agency employers. Agencies struggled to verify medical certificates issued abroad, leaving many legitimate claims denied and creating financial strain for the workers. A few weeks later, national social‑security data showed that the overall number of sick‑leave notifications and new disability insurance awards in the Netherlands had reached record levels. The rise was driven not by more frequent absences but by longer durations, especially among workers with mental‑health issues and young employees. Experts warned that the growing inflow of disability claims could cost the welfare system over €1 billion in the next five years and called for stronger prevention and reporting reforms. Together, the snapshots illustrate a widening problem in the Dutch sick‑leave system, affecting both migrant labourers and the broader workforce, and prompting calls for clearer procedures and preventive measures. ## Timeline ### 2026-07-31: Netherlands sees record rise in sick leave and disability claims Dutch UWV reports record sick‑leave numbers and a surge in disability claims, especially among young workers with mental‑health issues, projecting over €1 billion in costs. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/netherlands-sees-record-rise-in-sick-leave-and-disability-claims ### 2026-07-14: Dutch agencies face surge in complaints over denied sick leave for Polish migrant workers The Dutch SNCU reports a surge in complaints as agencies increasingly reject sick‑leave claims from Polish migrant workers, prompting calls for clearer cross‑border procedures. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dutch-agencies-face-surge-in-complaints-over-denied-sick-leave-for-polish-migrant-workers --- Cite as: Netherlands sick‑leave and disability claim surge. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/netherlands-sickleave-and-disability-claim-surge