What Does Reintegration Mean?
Reintegration means that after a period of illness, you return to work. Both you and your employer are obliged to cooperate in this, with the aim of returning to work as soon as possible, possibly in an adapted role.
Responsibilities in Reintegration
| Party | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Employer | Offer suitable employment, draw up a reintegration plan, continue paying salary |
| Employee | Actively cooperate, accept suitable employment, promote recovery |
| Occupational Physician | Provide guidance, give advice, analyze problems |
| UWV | Assess the reintegration efforts |
Steps in the Reintegration Trajectory
- Week 1: Report illness to the employer
- Week 6: Analysis of the situation by the occupational physician
- Week 8: Compile reintegration plan
- Week 42: Report illness to the UWV
- Week 52: Evaluation after the first year
- Week 88: Final assessment and possible WIA application
Reintegration: First and Second Track
Two Trajectories
- First track: Returning to your current employer, in your own role or another suitable position
- Second track: Seeking employment with another employer if return to the current one is not possible
The second track usually starts after one year, unless it is established earlier that return to the own employer is not feasible.
Consequences of Insufficient Effort
If reintegration does not proceed properly, sanctions may follow:
- For the employer: Extension of the wage continuation obligation (maximum 1 additional year)
- For the employee: Suspension of wages, dismissal or lower WIA benefit
What is Suitable Employment?
Employment is considered suitable if:
- It fits within your physical and mental capacities
- It poses no risk to your health
- It is acceptable in terms of travel time and level
Am I obliged to accept other work within the company?
Yes, if the occupational physician determines that you are capable of performing this work. Refusal may lead to a wage stop.
What if I disagree with the occupational physician's advice?
You can request an expert opinion from the UWV or have a second opinion carried out by another occupational physician.
Who bears the costs for a reintegration agency?
Usually, this is the responsibility of the employer, as part of the reintegration obligations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Reintegration in Utrecht
What happens if I refuse suitable work?
If you refuse suitable work without good reason, your employer may suspend your wages. The occupational physician determines whether the work is suitable. Refusal can also affect a future WIA benefit. In case of doubt, consult the occupational physician or request a second opinion via the UWV.
When does the UWV get involved in my reintegration?
The UWV becomes involved after 42 weeks of illness. You must then submit a reintegration report. The UWV checks whether you and your employer have done enough. After 88 weeks, a final assessment follows for a possible WIA benefit.
Can I be dismissed during illness?
During the first two years of illness, a dismissal ban applies. Dismissal is only possible in case of insufficient cooperation with reintegration or for business economic reasons. After two years, the UWV may permit dismissal if reintegration is not successful.
Local Information in Utrecht
For legal support, you can go to:
- Rechtbank Midden-Nederland: Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1, Utrecht
- Juridisch Loket Utrecht: Catharijnesingel 55, Utrecht