In the Netherlands, dismissal means your work ends. This might be perhaps because your contract is coming to an end, or the company is not doing well, or you have done something wrong. You might hand in your resignation, or you might be dismissed.
Temporary contract and dismissal
A temporary contract automatically ends on the end date. Your employer must tell you your contract is ending at least one month before it ends. This is called a notice period. If it does not do this, it must pay you compensation.
Permanent contract and dismissal
If you have a permanent contract, your employer is not allowed to dismiss you without good reason. It is often a court or UWV that decides this. You normally have a right to severance pay.
Dismissal during sick leave If you are sick, your employer cannot simply dismiss you. This is only allowed if you have been sick for more than two years or you have not cooperated in your recovery, for example because you have refused to do other suitable work at the company.
Summary dismissal
If you do something against the law, such as stealing or fraud, you can be dismissed immediately. This is called summary dismissal. In that case, you contract will end with immediate effect.
Resigning If you want to stop working, you must write a letter to your employer in which you say you will stop working for it. In some cases a notice period applies. This means you have to keep working for a few more weeks or months.
Being dismissed
If you are dismissed, ask your boss for a letter or email that explains why you were dismissed. Ask het Juridisch Loket for advice. They can help you work out what your rights are. Also check whether you have a right to receive unemployment benefit from UWV.
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