What is happening at work?
Start with your situation. These eight practical guides connect explanations, decision points, calculators and sample letters. Work through the steps and take your own overview to a meeting or legal adviser.
My employer wants to dismiss me
A meeting, a formal dismissal application and summary dismissal call for different responses. First identify the procedure and the dates. Then check the reasons your employer gives and the help you need.
- Identify the dismissal route
- Examine the grounds and evidence
- Prepare for the possible outcome
I have received a settlement agreement
A proposal to leave involves more than the amount of compensation. This guide helps you examine the wording, end date and position after departure together before deciding whether to negotiate or sign.
- Keep the proposal and allow time
- Read the arrangements together
- Decide carefully and record follow-up dates
My wages are unpaid or late
Set out the difference between what appears to be due, what the payslip shows and what reached your bank account. This guide helps you substantiate the shortfall, write a specific request and choose the next step.
- Calculate each pay period separately
- Make a specific request for payment
- Choose the appropriate next route
I am ill and need to return to work
During sickness, pay, medical guidance and work arrangements run alongside one another. Use this guide to clarify roles and agreements and to address a disagreement promptly through the appropriate route.
- Record the starting position
- Turn advice into work arrangements
- Address stalled progress and the next step
My fixed-term contract is ending
Start with the complete contract history, rather than only the latest end date. Then examine the notification of continuation, compensation, final pay and income afterwards. This route keeps those questions separate.
- Check whether the contract really ends
- Check the notification and amounts
- Arrange the period after the end
There is a workplace conflict or unwanted behaviour
A warning, disagreement about work and report of harassment are different issues. Organise what is happening, what you need and which route fits. This guide helps you prepare a factual, careful account.
- Describe events and what you need
- Choose a discussion or formal response
- Record arrangements and boundaries
I am offered a new employment contract
A new contract concerns your future work and restrictions after leaving. Compare the offer, collective agreement and attachments before focusing only on salary. This guide helps structure your questions and your first period at work.
- Check the basic terms
- Read restrictions and exceptions
- Keep the final agreements
I want to leave my job
A new job, conflict or personal change may prompt you to leave. First check whether and when you can resign and how this affects income, restrictive clauses and final pay.
- Consider your reason and financial position
- Establish a workable end date
- Finish carefully
Download the practical handbook
All eight routes, document checklists and space for notes in one printable handbook in this language.
Sources and editorial notes
This overview links to our guides, opinion articles and tools. Each substantive piece lists the sources used for it.
- Publisher: RijksoverheidRijksoverheid: arbeidsovereenkomst en caorijksoverheid.nlhttps://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/arbeidsovereenkomst-en-cao
- Publisher: RechtspraakRechtspraak: ontslagproceduresrechtspraak.nlhttps://www.rechtspraak.nl/onderwerpen/ontslag/verzoekschriftprocedure-werknemer
- Publisher: Arboportaal · Ministerie van SZWArboportaal: arbeidsomstandighedenarboportaal.nlhttps://www.arboportaal.nl/
The source publications are in Dutch. All language editions cover Dutch law.