Under the Wet Verbetering Poortwachter, employers must first try to bring a sick employee back to their own role or a modified role inside the organisation. This is known as the first track (eerste spoor). When the arbeidsdeskundige concludes that internal return is not realistic, the employer must start a second track (spoor 2) aimed at suitable work with a different employer.
Spoor 2 typically begins no later than the first-year evaluation around week 52, though earlier start is often advised. The employer usually contracts a specialised reintegration agency that supports the employee with coaching, applications, work trials, and retraining. Activities, progress, and results are recorded in the reintegratiedossier.
Failure to start spoor 2 on time, or running it superficially, is a leading cause of a UWV loonsanctie, which extends wage payment by up to a third year. A well-documented second-track process therefore protects both the employee's prospects and the employer's financial position.