At the start of 2007, Rabobank completed the employability study it conducted in conjunction with the Works Councils (Group Works Council and the Works Councils of Rabobank Nederland and De Lage Landen) and the relevant trade unions (De Unie, FNV, CNV and BBV). The study resulted in four recommendations to the parties to the CBA. The Employability Taskforce established that they could make a positive contribution to raising awareness and more active policy in the area of employability. It was agreed that employees whose positions require skills commensurate with an intermediate vocational education but who do not have the relevant educational qualifications may make use of exemptions (under a so-called accreditation or prior learning procedure) and follow a fast-track intermediate vocational education course.
With a view to improving the employability of employees and increase their opportunities for both promotions or demotions and sideways career moves, the demotion section has been simplified, and as of 1 January 2008 a distinction will no longer be made as to the reason why an employee transfers to a position with a lower pay scale. Furthermore, agreements have been reached on encouraging employees to give feedback to managers and on supporting web-based learning. Web-based learning is considered to consist of one-third lesson time (which is refundable) and two-thirds preparation and home study. In 2008 Rabobank will introduce employability scans for employees (How employable am I?) and for managers (How do I manage employability?).