Short-Term Care Leave in Utrecht
In Utrecht, **short-term care leave** provides employees with a legal entitlement to take up to two separate periods of two consecutive workdays each year for urgent care of a sick family member or close relative. This regulation promotes a better work-life balance in a bustling city like Utrecht, where unexpected situations—such as an admission to the **UMC Utrecht**—can arise suddenly, while also offering financial support during these critical moments.
What Does Short-Term Care Leave Mean for Utrecht Residents?
Short-term care leave is specifically designed for sudden care needs of loved ones and differs from emergency leave by focusing on direct informal caregiving. In Utrecht, with its diverse population and busy work environments, this law helps employees balance care and career—especially as more families rely on each other for support in the region.
The scheme allows for a maximum of **four workdays per year**, split into two separate two-day periods. The leave is **paid**, meaning your salary continues uninterrupted. As a Utrecht resident, you have an **inalienable right** to this leave; your employer in the city cannot refuse it if the conditions are met.
Legal Framework
The rules for short-term care leave are outlined in the **Dutch Labour and Care Act (WAZO)**, incorporated into Book 7 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW). Key provisions include:
- Article 7:673(1) BW: Grants leave for the care or nursing of a close relative with illness or disability.
- Article 7:673(2) BW: Limits the duration to two separate two-day periods annually.
- Article 7:673(4) BW: Ensures full salary payment during the leave period.
Active since 2006 and later refined for better accessibility, this applies to all employees in Utrecht—whether at local companies, staffing agencies, or on-call workers—but **not** to self-employed individuals (zzp'ers). For broader information on care leave, see our overview on care leave in Utrecht.
Eligibility and How to Apply in Utrecht
To qualify for short-term care leave in Utrecht, you must meet the following requirements:
- The care must be **urgent and unexpected**, such as an emergency admission to the **Diakonessenhuis** or a sudden health crisis.
- It must involve a **close relative**, including partners, children, parents, in-laws, or cohabiting household members (as defined in **Article 7:673 BW**).
- Notify your employer **as soon as possible**, ideally before the start of work. While proof is not mandatory, it may be useful in case of disputes; the **Utrecht Legal Desk** can provide guidance.
Applying is straightforward: inform your employer by phone or email. In Utrecht, employers cannot request permission but may confirm the urgency of the situation. If care extends beyond the short-term period, consider **long-term care leave** or other options through the **Municipality of Utrecht**.
Your Rights and Obligations as a Utrecht Resident
Employees in Utrecht are entitled to:
- Full salary continuation: Your regular pay, including any allowances, is maintained during the leave.
- Protection against dismissal: Requesting leave cannot result in termination or disadvantages; if issues arise, you can escalate to the **District Court of Utrecht**.
- Flexible scheduling: You can choose the days within the annual limit to fit your schedule.
Your responsibilities include:
- Notifying your employer **as early as possible** to minimize disruptions in Utrecht workplaces.
- Using the leave **only for its intended purpose**; misuse may have consequences.
- Collaborating on solutions if workload becomes unmanageable, though refusal remains prohibited.
In disputes, the **District Court of Utrecht** often rules in favor of employees: refusal can lead to fines or compensation via the **canton court**.
Practical Examples from Utrecht
For instance, if your father from the **Lombok neighborhood** falls and requires urgent care at **UMC Utrecht**, you can take **two days of short-term care leave** for hospital visits, appointments, and arranging home help through the Municipality. Your salary continues after notifying your employer that morning.
Or, if your child at a **Utrecht primary school** develops a sudden fever and childcare fails, you can use **one day of leave** for a doctor’s visit. Later, if your partner undergoes surgery at the **Antonius Hospital**, you can use the second period for post-operative care.
Such provisions help Utrecht caregivers manage responsibilities without prolonged absence.
Comparison with Other Leave Types in Utrecht
A breakdown of **short-term care leave** versus related options:
| Leave Type | Duration | Paid | Purpose | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-Term Care Leave | Max. 4 days/year (2x2) | Yes, full pay | Urgent care for close relatives | Art. 7:673 BW |
| Emergency Leave | No fixed duration, reasonable | Yes, full pay | Unexpected private circumstances | Art. 7:672 BW |
| Long-Term Care Leave | Max. 6 weeks/year | No (unless via ADV) | Extended care needs | Art. 7:674 BW |
Learn more about **emergency leave** in our article on emergency leave in Utrecht.
Frequently Asked Questions for Utrecht Residents
Can I take short-term care leave for a pet?
No, this leave is exclusively for **close relatives** as defined by family or cohabiting household members—not pets. For pet-related assistance in Utrecht, contact the **Municipality of Utrecht** or a local veterinarian.