What is changing?

The contract with CIRFOOD as the primary caterer will end on 31 December 2026. Under the new approach, hospitality operators will hold direct contracts with the UvA and HvA. They were selected through a tender process, which was open to both existing and new operators. Some of the current operators have been awarded new contracts – in some cases at different locations than those they currently occupy – while others will not be returning. We thank them for their contribution to daily life on our campuses.

CIRFOOD won the tender to provide support and coordination for these hospitality operators. Starting in January, the company will take on this role: supporting the operators and ensuring the quality and coherence of the overall offering. In short, CIRFOOD will be taking on a different role.

What does this mean for CIRFOOD employees?

Many CIRFOOD employees have been working at our locations for years. The uncertainty regarding their jobs and income is profound. We had hoped that they would have more clarity about their future by now.

CIRFOOD is their employer and bears the responsibility of guiding them toward other employment. The UvA and HvA have sought legal advice regarding this transition. It is our position that this does not constitute a "transfer of an undertaking", and therefore the new catering operators are not automatically required to take on the existing CIRFOOD staff. CIRFOOD holds a different view and has announced that it intends to take the matter to court.

How are the UvA and HvA helping?

Since the beginning of 2026, the UvA and HvA have been in discussions with CIRFOOD regarding opportunities to help employees find alternative work. We have also consulted with the relevant trade unions.

We have explored potential job openings within the new service provision model as well as with other suppliers. These possibilities have been shared with CIRFOOD so that they can be incorporated into the support provided to their employees. It is important to note that these are potential opportunities, not positions that have already been secured for everyone.

In addition, there are a number of employees who were granted a guarantee of returning to the UvA or HvA during a previous tender process. We have requested information from CIRFOOD that is necessary to review the specific arrangements for each employee.

We remain open to discussing with CIRFOOD how we can further assist these employees. As their employer, CIRFOOD is responsible for guiding them through this process. The UvA and HvA will provide support where possible by helping them look for other employment.

You can read more about the new offerings at each UvA location here: Food and drink from 2027: what to expect at your location.