Late contract-renewal notice: notice compensation

Late contract-renewal notice: notice compensation. General information.

For a fixed-term contract lasting at least six months, a notification duty generally applies. The employer must state in writing whether the contract will continue. This differs from a notice period or a promise of permanent employment.

The employer must provide clarity no later than one month before the end date, including the terms if the contract continues. A written statement at the start that no renewal will follow can satisfy the duty.

If notification is missing, compensation of one monthly salary may be due. If it was merely late, a proportionate amount may apply. Check both the contract end date and the date of the written notice.

The notification duty does not apply where an agency clause applies. Bankruptcy and certain other insolvency situations may affect compensation too. Establish the contract and circumstances first.

If the application concerns only notification compensation, Rechtspraak states that it must reach the subdistrict court within two months after the employment contract ends. Have any potential claim assessed in time.

Keep the contract and all renewal messages. Record the dates and request an itemised calculation if needed. The notification-compensation guide helps you check the notice and any further action separately.

Read the full explanation and sources on Employment Law in the Netherlands. Have someone assess which rules apply to your situation.