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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

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.

Sources (19)View the sources usedSources current as of:
Your route in three steps

Choose your next step

Keep the proposal and allow time

Keep every version and the covering email. If needed, acknowledge receipt only, without agreeing to the terms or end date. Ask how much time you have for review and who will cover the cost. Record any earlier promises as well.

Read the arrangements together

Check who initiated termination, the reason, notice period, wages until the end and any release from work. Also examine holiday, bonuses, pension, restrictive covenants, references and the final waiver of claims. List questions against each clause; favourable compensation can hide less favourable terms elsewhere.

Decide carefully and record follow-up dates

Have the final version reviewed before agreeing. Keep a complete signed copy and the relevant dates. If you regret an agreement already concluded, have the statutory cooling-off period and correct written cancellation checked immediately. A calculator cannot determine validity.

A practical example

Higher compensation, later benefit entitlement

You negotiate a higher amount, but the proposed end date remains too early. Discuss any period without wages or benefits separately; the total compensation figure alone does not give a complete picture of your income.

My workbook

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Questions about this route

Is a transition payment automatically due under a VSO?

With termination by mutual agreement, compensation is set out in that agreement. The statutory transition payment can be a reference for negotiation, but it is not automatically the same entitlement as in unilateral dismissal.

Can I change my mind after signing?

There is generally a statutory cooling-off period, subject to conditions and exceptions. Have its start, duration and the required written cancellation checked immediately; do not wait if uncertain.

Is wording intended to protect WW enough?

No. UWV assesses the actual circumstances and all eligibility conditions. Illness, culpability and the relevant notice period can matter, among other factors.

Sources (19)

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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