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Draft translation. The rules concern Dutch employment law; have their application to your situation assessed. About our content
Work & rights · practical guides · Dismissal & leaving

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.

Sources (16)View the sources usedSources current as of:
Your route in three steps

Choose your next step

Identify the dismissal route

Keep the invitation, letter and attachments. Ask which reason is being given, whether formal proceedings have started and whether you are still expected at work. Distinguish an offer to end employment by agreement from unilateral termination. Record the date of receipt and the response requested.

Examine the grounds and evidence

A reorganisation raises different questions from criticism of your performance. Arrange events chronologically, including your earlier responses and proposed solutions. Request missing documents and identify the facts you dispute. Do not promise to leave before your position has been assessed.

Prepare for the possible outcome

Have the procedure, notice period, possible compensation and income consequences assessed together. Calculating a transition payment is not a complete assessment of dismissal. Also plan how to keep documents, payslips and contact details if access to the work portal ends.

A practical example

Two letters, two separate routes

You first receive a proposal to end employment by agreement, followed by a letter about a formal dismissal application. Treat them separately: negotiating over the proposal does not replace responding in the proceedings.

My workbook

Gather these documents

Questions about this route

Must I sign during a dismissal meeting?

First establish what you are being asked to sign. Acknowledging receipt and consenting to termination can have very different consequences. Ask for a copy and time to obtain an assessment.

Can I simply stop working?

Remain available under the applicable arrangements, unless a different course has been agreed or assessed. If released from work, obtain written confirmation of what this means for pay and availability.

Where should I start if time is short?

Take the complete letter, attachments and dates of receipt to a legal adviser. Ask explicitly which deadline expires first and who will act before it does.

Sources (16)

Sources and editorial notes

This preparation guide is our own editorial work. The primary sources below support the linked in-depth articles. Check the stated source date and obtain an assessment of any agreement or procedure for your own situation.

Sources current as of:

The source publications are in Dutch. All language editions cover Dutch law.

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My employer wants to dismiss meA 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.
I have received a settlement agreementA 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.
My wages are unpaid or lateSet 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.
I am ill and need to return to workDuring 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.
My fixed-term contract is endingStart 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.
There is a workplace conflict or unwanted behaviourA 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.
I am offered a new employment contractA 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.
I want to leave my jobA 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.

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