The municipalities of Maastricht, Meerssen, Eijsden-Margraten, Valkenburg aan de Geul, Vaals, and Gulpen-Wittem join forces for better support in work and development.

One Organization for More Opportunities

The six municipalities want to establish a new social development company. This company will emerge from the merger of the existing organizations Annex, MTB, and Podium24. Through this collaboration, one organization will help residents find suitable work, with attention to personal development.

What Changes for Residents?

In the new social development company:

  • there will be fewer handover moments in the reintegration process;
  • there will be more focus on personal growth through learning-work pathways;
  • employee skills will be better developed;
  • active efforts will be made to create suitable workplaces with employers;
  • the expertise of Annex, MTB, and Podium24 will be combined for a more personalized trajectory.

What Remains?

  • The knowledge and experience of Annex, MTB, and Podium24 will be preserved and further developed.
  • The municipalities will remain responsible for the implementation of the Social Employment Act (Wsw).
  • The rights of employees under the Wsw will be fully preserved.
  • There will be work for all permanent employees of Annex, MTB, and Podium24 

Next Steps

The policy document with the plans is now public. In September, these will be discussed in various meetings of the municipalities in the Heuvelland and Maastricht. Advisory councils, client councils, and social partners will be invited to give their opinions. A final policy document will follow at the end of this year. In mid-December, the municipal councils will decide on the establishment of the social development company.