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Lost holiday entitlement? Check accrual, taking leave and unused hours
When can holiday hours be lost? Read about statutory and additional hours, the duty to provide information, sickness and checking a deduction.
Summary
When can holiday hours be lost? Read about statutory and additional hours, the duty to provide information, sickness and checking a deduction.
Key points
- Can you simply lose holiday entitlement if you do not use it? Start with two questions: which year do the hours come from, and are they statutory or additional hours? Statutory holiday entitlement is the minimum of four times your weekly working hours.
- These hours are generally subject to an expiry period of six months after the accrual year. For hours from 2026, that means 1 July 2027. But that date does not settle everything. Your employer must genuinely give you the opportunity to take leave and inform you clearly and in good time about the possibility of losing it.
- If this is missing, statutory hours may remain valid. Sickness can also create an exception if you could not reasonably take leave.
- Simply being on sick leave is not automatically enough. Additional hours are generally subject to a five-year limitation period after the accrual year. Check your collective labour agreement, contract and leave statement.
Please note
Final legal and language review remain open. General information does not replace advice on your case.
Transcript
Employment Law in the Netherlands.
Can you simply lose holiday entitlement if you do not use it? Start with two questions: which year do the hours come from, and are they statutory or additional hours? Statutory holiday entitlement is the minimum of four times your weekly working hours.
These hours are generally subject to an expiry period of six months after the accrual year. For hours from 2026, that means 1 July 2027. But that date does not settle everything. Your employer must genuinely give you the opportunity to take leave and inform you clearly and in good time about the possibility of losing it.
If this is missing, statutory hours may remain valid. Sickness can also create an exception if you could not reasonably take leave.
Simply being on sick leave is not automatically enough. Additional hours are generally subject to a five-year limitation period after the accrual year. Check your collective labour agreement, contract and leave statement.
Have you noticed an unexpected deduction? Keep the previous balance, ask for a breakdown by year and type of hours, and ask what the deduction is based on. At the same time, propose specific holiday dates if you want time off.
If the disagreement continues, have your documents assessed by your trade union, legal assistance provider or an employment law specialist. Do not wait until your employment ends.
Read the full guide and official sources. General information does not replace advice about your own situation.
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