Prohibited Dismissal Reasons Utrecht: When May an Employer NOT Dismiss You?
In the Utrecht region, the same strict Dutch dismissal rules apply as nationally. Employers in Utrecht may not dismiss you arbitrarily. Article 7:670 BW and other laws prohibit dismissal on discriminatory or unlawful grounds. Discover your rights, the prohibited reasons and where you can go in Utrecht for legal assistance in case of unlawful dismissal.
Legal Basis: Article 7:670 BW in Utrecht
The core of dismissal protection is Article 7:670 BW from the Dutch Civil Code. This protects Utrecht employees against dismissal for reasons unrelated to work performance or business interests. Cases concerning prohibited dismissal reasons are handled at Rechtbank Midden-Nederland (Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1, Utrecht).
Important supplementary laws:
- General Equal Treatment Act (AWGB) - Against discrimination
- Equal Treatment Disability/Chronic Illness Act (Wgbh/cz)
- Equal Treatment on Grounds of Age Act (WGBL)
- Dutch Civil Code Book 7 - Labour law Utrecht
Complete Overview of Prohibited Dismissal Reasons
Below is the complete overview of dismissal grounds that are legally prohibited in Utrecht:
| Prohibited Dismissal Reason | Legal Basis | Explanation Utrecht |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy & childbirth | Art. 7:670 para. 1 BW | Dismissal prohibition during pregnancy + 6 weeks after childbirth. Report to Juridisch Loket Utrecht |
| Trade union membership | Art. 7:670 para. 2 sub a BW | Protection for trade union activities, also with Utrecht employers |
| Race/ethnicity | Art. 7:646 BW / AWGB | Discrimination on grounds of race, origin or nationality prohibited |
| Religion/belief | Art. 7:646 BW / AWGB | Religion may not be a dismissal reason |
| Gender | Art. 7:646 BW / AWGB | Equal pay, equal dismissal opportunities men/women |
| Sexual orientation | Art. 7:646 BW / AWGB | LGBTQ+ protected against dismissal |
| Marital status | Art. 7:646 BW / AWGB | Married/single not a dismissal ground |
| Political opinion | Art. 7:646 BW / AWGB | Political preference protected |
| Age | WGBL / Art. 7:646 BW | Age discrimination Utrecht prohibited |
| Disability/chronic illness | Wgbh/cz / Art. 7:646 BW | No dismissal purely on health grounds |
| Part-time/full-time | Art. 7:648 BW | Equal rights part-time/full-time workers |
| Temporary/permanent contract | Art. 7:649 BW | No distinction based on contract types |
| Illness (first 2 years) | Art. 7:670 para. 1 BW | 104 weeks dismissal prohibition during illness |
| Military service | Art. 7:670 para. 5 BW | Protection for conscription |
| Works council/PVT membership | Art. 7:670 para. 2 BW | Extra protection for co-determination |
| Parental leave | Art. 7:670 para. 3 BW | Dismissal prohibition during emergency/short-term care leave |
| Whistleblowing | House of Whistleblowers Act | Protection for Utrecht reporters of misconduct |
Special Protection in Utrecht
Rechtbank Midden-Nederland
Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1, 3511 LC Utrecht
Tel: 088-3620100
Handles dismissal cases in the Utrecht region.
Juridisch Loket Utrecht
Catharijnesingel 55, 3511 GC Utrecht
Tel: 0900-8020 (national)
Free first-line legal advice.
What to Do in Case of Unlawful Dismissal in Utrecht?
- Contact Juridisch Loket Utrecht immediately
- Consider trade union legal assistance (FNV/CNV Utrecht)
- Apply for dismissal protection at UWV
- Start proceedings at Rechtbank Midden-Nederland
Note: In case of prohibited dismissal grounds, you can claim a fair compensation plus reinstatement of the employment contract.