What does the law/regulation say about travel time for track 2 routes?
- 11/05/2026
- Posted by: Rosalie Derksen
- Categories: Geen onderdeel van een categorie, Uncategorized
Travel time during track 2 programs regularly raises questions among both employers and employees. Who bears the costs? What are the legal limits? And how do you prevent disputes over travel time compensation? The laws and regulations surrounding travel time in track 2 programs contain specific provisions that are important to understand.
For employers dealing with long-term sick employees, it is essential to understand the legal frameworks properly. A wrong interpretation of the regulations can lead to unnecessary costs or legal complications during the reintegration process.
What is travel time within track 2 programs according to the law?
Travel time within track 2 programs refers to the time a sick employee spends traveling to reintegration activities, such as meetings, training sessions, job interviews, and medical examinations. This travel time falls under the employer’s reintegration obligation during the wage continuation period.
The law considers travel time as a necessary part of the reintegration process. When an employee participates in track 2 activities, this forms part of the efforts to return to the labor market. The travel time to these activities is therefore seen as employment law relevant time.
It is important that travel time only applies to activities directly related to the reintegration program. Think of visits to the reintegration counselor, job interviews with potential new employers, or participation in training that improves the labor market position.
Which laws and regulations determine travel time in track 2?
The regulation surrounding travel time in track 2 programs is primarily determined by the Work and Income according to Labor Capacity Act (WIA), the Civil Code, and the Gatekeeper Improvement Act. These laws set the frameworks for the reintegration obligation and the associated cost compensation.
The most important legal provisions are:
- Gatekeeper Improvement Act: Regulates the reintegration obligation and the associated costs
- Civil Code, article 7:629: Determines the wage continuation obligation during illness
- WIA: Sets requirements for reintegration efforts and associated documentation
- Working Conditions Act: Contains provisions on reasonable adjustments and guidance
This legislation works together to ensure that employees are not financially disadvantaged by necessary travel time during their reintegration program. The UWV assesses afterwards whether the reintegration efforts, including the travel costs incurred, were reasonable and proportional.
Who is responsible for travel time compensation during track 2?
The employer is responsible for compensating travel time during track 2 programs, as this falls under the reintegration obligation during the 104-week wage continuation period. This is part of the duty of care towards the sick employee.
The distribution of responsibilities is as follows:
- Employer: Bears the financial responsibility for travel time and travel costs
- Employee: Has a cooperation obligation and must keep travel time reasonable
- Reintegration company: Advises on reasonable travel distances and planning
- UWV: Tests afterwards whether the efforts were proportional
Employers cannot recover these costs from the employee, even if the track 2 program ultimately does not lead to placement. The compensation of travel time is an inherent part of the legal reintegration obligation and cannot be waived in employment contracts.
In some cases, employers can recover part of the reintegration costs through their disability insurance, depending on the policy conditions.
How is travel time compensated for track 2 activities?
Travel time is compensated based on the employee’s regular wage, as this time is considered employment law relevant time during the wage continuation period. Additionally, the actual travel costs are reimbursed according to reasonable standards.
The compensation consists of two components:
- Time compensation: Travel time at the normal hourly wage
- Cost compensation: Actual travel costs (public transport or the statutory mileage allowance)
For calculating travel costs, employers usually apply the tax mileage allowance or public transport costs. The employee must choose the most economical way of travel, unless medical reasons prevent this.
Important considerations for compensation:
- Travel time to and from home is fully counted
- For multiple activities in one day, efficient planning is expected
- Overnight costs are only reimbursed for activities that are further than a reasonable daily travel distance
- Administration and declarations must be carefully maintained for UWV assessment
What are the limits of travel time in track 2 programs?
The limits of travel time in track 2 programs are determined by reasonableness and proportionality. There is no legal maximum, but the travel time must be proportional to the purpose of the activity and the chances of successful reintegration.
Reasonable limits are determined by various factors:
- Daily travel distance: Maximum 2-3 hours one way for regular activities
- Frequency: The number of travel movements per week must be proportional
- Medical limitations: Taking into account the employee’s capacity
- Labor market region: Adjusting travel distance to the regional labor market
For job interviews, more flexibility applies to travel distance, especially if this offers concrete chances for placement. The reintegration company plays an important role in advising on reasonable travel distances and planning efficient programs.
Employers can set limits on travel time, but these must be objectively substantiated and may not unreasonably limit reintegration opportunities. The UWV assesses afterwards whether the set limits were reasonable within the context of the specific case.
How do you handle disputes about travel time in track 2?
Disputes about travel time in track 2 are resolved by making clear agreements in advance, documenting well, and communicating openly with all involved parties. In case of disagreements, mediation or legal advice may be necessary to prevent escalation.
Preventive measures against disputes:
- Clear agreements: Recording the travel expense policy in the reintegration plan
- Transparent communication: Regular consultation about planning and costs
- Good administration: Keeping track of all travel movements and costs
- Reasonable planning: Efficient organization of activities and routes
When disputes arise, there are various steps to reach a solution. Always start with internal consultation between employer, employee, and reintegration counselor. Often misunderstandings can be cleared up through a clear explanation of the legal frameworks.
In case of persistent disputes, parties can appeal to:
- The occupational physician for medical aspects of travel burden
- The labor expert for assessing reasonableness
- A legal advisor for interpreting employment law
- The district court as a last resort for insurmountable disputes
How UFIND helps with travel time and track 2 programs
We understand that the complexity surrounding travel time and compensation during track 2 programs forms a source of uncertainty for many employers. With our legal background and thorough knowledge of laws and regulations, we guide you through all aspects of the reintegration process.
Our support with travel time and track 2 programs includes:
- Legal advice: Clear explanation of legal obligations and rights
- Efficient planning: Optimal organization of programs to limit travel time
- Cost monitoring: Transparent reporting on all costs incurred
- Dispute prevention: Proactive communication to prevent misunderstandings
- UWV-proof documentation: Correct reporting for later assessment
Through our compact, intensive approach, we keep travel time and associated costs within reasonable limits, while creating maximum opportunities for successful external placement. Do you have questions about travel time in track 2 programs or would you like to know how we can support your organization? Contact us for a no-obligation conversation about your specific situation.