518 Dutch healthcare workers have lost their jobs because they suffer from Long Covid and have been off work sick for two years, the Dutch FNV trade union federation said on Friday.

The public health institute RIVM estimates 238,000 healthcare workers caught coronavirus. Most of the Long Covid reports they have had come from people who work in nursing homes or as home nurses.

Permanent employees are paid at least 70% of their salary for two years if they become unable to work through ill health, although some employers increase this to 100%. After two years, however, they can be sacked and then have to claim invalidity benefit. In some cases that will be half that of their original salary.

Dutchnews.nl report

Long Covid: 49% of COVID-19 survivors have persistent symptoms