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Employer's Notice Period in Utrecht - Statutory Rules and Periods

Learn everything about the notice period for employers in Utrecht, including statutory rules, exceptions, and local legal support at the Juridisch Loket and the Rechtbank Midden-Nederland.

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Employer's Notice Period in Utrecht

When terminating an employment contract in Utrecht, an employer must comply with the prescribed notice period. The length of this varies depending on the duration of the employment.

Statutory Rules for Notice Period

Length of employmentNotice period
Less than 5 years1 month
5 to 10 years2 months
10 to 15 years3 months
15 years or more4 months

Adjusted Notice Periods

In an employment contract or collective labour agreement (CAO), a prolonged notice period may be stipulated. However, a shorter period for the employer is not permitted under the law.

Termination at the End of the Month

Termination must normally take place at the end of the month, unless otherwise agreed.

Practical Example:

If an employer gives notice on 10 March with a notice period of 1 month, the contract ends on 30 April, not on 10 April.

Shortening via UWV Procedure

With permission for dismissal via the UWV, the employer may deduct the procedure time (maximum 1 month) from the notice period, with a minimum of 1 month remaining.

Exceptions to Notice Period

  • Summarily dismissal for urgent cause
  • Termination during the probationary period
  • Mutual agreement (settlement agreement)

Consequences of Not Observing the Period

If an employer does not respect the notice period, it must pay compensation equal to the salary for the unobserved period.

Advice for Employees in Utrecht

  1. Check the notice period in your contract or CAO
  2. Verify if the termination was done on the correct date
  3. Demand compensation for non-compliance with the period

Statutory basis: Article 7:672 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW)

Local Information in Utrecht

For legal support, you can go to the Juridisch Loket Utrecht at Catharijnesingel 55. In addition, the Rechtbank Midden-Nederland at Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1 handles employment cases in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions about Notice Period

What are my rights as an employee in Utrecht?

You are entitled to a safe workplace, minimum wage, vacation days with pay, and protection against unequal treatment or discrimination.

Can an employer dismiss me without reason?

No, dismissal often requires approval from the UWV and must be based on valid reasons. Prior warnings are generally necessary.

How many vacation days am I entitled to?

You are entitled to at least 20 paid vacation days per year, unless otherwise stipulated in your contract. These must be able to be taken upon request.

What does a CAO mean for my situation?

A CAO (collective labour agreement) contains agreements between employers and trade unions on matters such as salary, working hours, and other employment conditions.

What if I become ill?

In case of illness, you must immediately inform your employer. You are entitled to continued pay during the first two years of sick leave.