Suitable Work in Reintegration in Utrecht: Criteria and Your Assessment Rights

## Introduction What exactly is 'suitable work' in Utrecht? During reintegration, many sick employees from the region refuse offered jobs, with sanctions as a result. But not every job fits your situation, especially not with the local traffic congestion around the Utrecht ring road or the tight labor market. This article explains the legal criteria according to the WIA and the Gatekeeper Improvement Act, your rights to assess work, and how to safely refuse at the UWV office in Utrecht. ## Criteria for Suitable Work According to the WIA and the Gatekeeper Improvement Act, suitable work in Utrecht must meet: - **Your physical and mental capacities**: No overload, taking into account local physiotherapy providers such as in the Lombok neighborhood. - **Education and experience**: Matching your background, suitable for Utrecht sectors such as healthcare at the UMC Utrecht or office jobs in De Meern. - **Travel distance and hours**: Reasonable in terms of time, with public transport options via Utrecht Centraal or bike routes; max. 1-2 hours travel time from surrounding neighborhoods such as Kanaleneiland. - **Salary**: At least 90% of your old salary or the minimum wage, adjusted to Utrecht cost of living. Work that deviates, you may refuse provided you motivate it with local arguments, such as traffic jams on the A12. ## Your Rights You may refuse work if it is not suitable. The UWV in Utrecht assesses this objectively via an occupational health service or regional insurance physician. Always request written substantiation and make use of the free consultation hour at the UWV on Europalaan. ## Practical Examples A bus driver from Utrecht-Noord with back complaints does not have to accept heavy lifting work in a warehouse in Houten. A project manager with burnout can refuse part-time work in a municipal civil servant position if it is too stressful due to the high workload in the Domstad. ## Advice Document everything, including travel times via 9292, and consult a labor expert via the UWV Utrecht or local trade union in the city. This way you avoid sanctions and utilize regional support programs. (278 words)