Dismissal and settlement agreements: what should you do?

An employer cannot terminate an employment contract without a legally valid ground. The ground relied upon determines the requirements and whether the route involves UWV, the subdistrict court or negotiations about a settlement agreement.

Do not sign a proposal immediately. First check the stated reason, the supporting evidence, your position regarding Dutch unemployment benefits (WW), the termination date, compensation and any restrictive clauses.

Common grounds include economic circumstances, restructuring, underperformance, a disrupted employment relationship and culpable conduct. Summary dismissal may be considered only in sufficiently serious and urgent circumstances.

The type of contract, the sector and special circumstances may also affect your legal position. Use the detailed page that corresponds to the reason or situation stated by your employer.

Have the dismissal ground, proposed terms and consequences reviewed before signing. This helps prevent unnecessary loss of rights, compensation or entitlement to WW benefits.