HHeiploeg thoroughly recognises its responsibility as employer in the region. The importance of successful management has immediate repercussions as regards to employment on the relatively small community. Heiploeg tries, in accordance with policy, to attract permanent employees whereby they are given training that will allow them to perform their work correctly. Due to the fluctuations in employment opportunities that are linked to shrimping and sales, Heiploeg cannot, however, escape having to use temporary workers. These workers, however, are in no way treated differently from permanent staff. If temporary workers are employed as permanent staff because vacancies become available, the only issue considered is competence. Internal promotions to higher positions are given priority above recruiting new staff. We naturally take complying with the Dutch Working Conditions Act as a matter-of-course and not just in the area of safety, but also in the area of health. The way in which Heiploeg acts in the areas of health and safety, however, is not really motivated by the Act; we allow ourselves to be guided by our concern for the individual.days a year.
