The creation of the SER
The Social and Economic Council of the Netherlands (SER) advises the Dutch Government and Parliament on social and economic policy. The Council was established by law in 1950.
More influence for employers and employees
After World War II, there was considerable discussion about the role of government and civil-society organisations. This was a time of reconstruction. The great economic depression of the 1930s was still fresh in people’s memories. People felt that the government ought to be more active in the areas of economic growth, employment and social security. But the government could only do this by involving employers and employees in decision-making.
This involvement of employers and employees in social and economic policy was laid down in 1950 in the Industrial Organisation Act. This law is now called the Social and Economic Council Act, which established the Social and Economic Council of the Netherlands (SER). Through the SER, employers and employees were given an advisory task and administrative powers.
