First Year of Illness in Utrecht - Your Rights and Obligations
During the first year of illness, there are clear rules in Utrecht and surrounding areas for both employer and employee to promote recovery and reintegration.
Responsibilities of the Employer
- Report sick leave to the occupational physician
- Prepare problem analysis (within 6 weeks)
- Develop reintegration plan (within 8 weeks)
- Offer suitable work
- Pay at least 70% of the salary (often 100%)
Responsibilities of the Employee
- Report sick leave in accordance with company rules
- Actively cooperate in recovery and reintegration
- Comply with appointments with the occupational physician
- Accept adapted work
- Share updates on recovery
First Day of Illness
The employer registers the sick leave with the occupational health service or occupational physician in Utrecht.
Week 6: Analysis of the Situation
An occupational physician prepares an overview of the health situation and provides advice on recovery and work possibilities.
Week 8: Reintegration Plan
Together with the employee, the employer draws up a strategy for return to work.
Legal basis: [Gatekeeper Improvement Act](https://rechtshulpamsterdam.nl/encyclopedie/referteperiode-ww)
Frequently Asked Questions about Illness in Utrecht
What if my employer does not pay my full salary?
Check your employment contract or collective labour agreement. If the payment is unjustly withheld, send a written request with a deadline (e.g. 14 days). If no response, you can seek legal assistance via the Juridisch Loket Utrecht at Catharijnesingel 55.
What happens if I refuse reintegration?
If you do not cooperate without good reason, your employer may suspend your salary or consider dismissal. This is legally permitted. Keep communication open and provide medical evidence if necessary.
How quickly must I report illness?
This depends on your contract, but usually you must report on the first day, often before a fixed time. Follow your company's procedure to avoid problems.
What is included in the reintegration plan (week 8)?
The plan contains specific actions such as adapted tasks, working hours or training, including goals and deadlines. Both parties must agree and sign.
May I be dismissed during illness?
No, during the first year there is a dismissal ban due to illness, except in cases of serious misconduct such as fraud. After two years, dismissal may be possible via UWV or the District Court of Midden-Nederland at Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1.