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UWV Dismissal Approval Procedure in Utrecht

Discover the UWV dismissal approval procedure in Utrecht: steps, rights, and local support via the District Court of Utrecht and Juridisch Loket. Protection for employees.

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The UWV Dismissal Approval Procedure in Utrecht

For residents of Utrecht, the **UWV approval procedure** is a critical component of Dutch employment law. Employers in the region must seek UWV approval to dismiss an employee at their own initiative—for example, due to business economic reasons or long-term illness. This procedure, which protects employees through an independent assessment, is essential. In Utrecht, you can turn to **Het Juridisch Loket Utrecht** for free advice on your rights. This does not apply to dismissals for misconduct, which are handled by the **District Court of Utrecht**.

What Does the UWV Approval Procedure Involve for Utrecht Residents?

The **UWV approval procedure** refers to the application to the Dutch Employee Insurance Agency (UWV) for dismissals that cannot be processed through the subdistrict court, such as in reorganizations in Utrecht-based companies or after two years of illness. The UWV reviews whether the dismissal is reasonable and whether principles like the **mirror principle** have been followed. Without approval, the dismissal is invalid, and as an employee in Utrecht, you can challenge it at the **District Court of Utrecht**.

This regulation prevents abuse and protects employees in the region. For small Utrecht-based employers with fewer than 25 employees, an exception to the mirror principle may apply, but approval is generally required. The process typically takes **4 to 8 weeks**, depending on circumstances.

Legal Basis of the UWV Approval Procedure

The **UWV approval procedure** is governed by the **Dutch Civil Code (BW)** and the **Employment (Insurance) Act (WWZ)**. Key provisions include:

  • Article 7:669(1) BW: Requires employers to seek UWV approval for dismissals based on non-personal grounds, such as economic reasons in Utrecht.
  • Article 7:671 BW: Outlines the procedure for dismissals after two years of illness.
  • Article 7:670 BW: Defines assessment criteria, including fairness and compensation.

The **Employment (Flexible Agreement) Act (Wwz)**, introduced in 2015, replaced the dismissal permit with this approval system. In Utrecht, the UWV considers collective labor agreements (CAOs) and advice from the **Works Council (OR)** under the **Works Councils Act (WOR)**. In case of violations, you can claim damages through the **District Court of Utrecht**, and **Het Juridisch Loket Utrecht** provides support.

Steps in the UWV Approval Procedure for Utrecht

The **UWV approval procedure** follows a clear structure, relevant for both employers and employees in Utrecht:

  1. Employer Preparation: The employer must first attempt internal relocation or offer alternative work. In Utrecht-based reorganizations, the **mirror principle** applies to protect older employees.
  2. Submitting the Application: Via the UWV’s online form, including documents such as the social plan, OR advice, and mirror principle calculations. This must be submitted at least **one month before the dismissal date**; the **Municipality of Utrecht** can assist with local reorganization support.
  3. Hearing and Cross-Examination: The UWV invites the employee for a discussion, either by phone or in person. In Utrecht, **Het Juridisch Loket Utrecht** can help prepare objections and submit evidence. The UWV assesses fairness.
  4. Assessment and Decision: A decision follows within **four weeks**. If approved, you receive a dismissal permit; if rejected, the employer can file an objection within **six weeks**.
  5. Executing the Dismissal: With approval, the termination can proceed, respecting the notice period. Employees in Utrecht are entitled to a **transition payment** and can apply for **unemployment benefits (WW)**.

If the procedure is not followed correctly, the **District Court of Utrecht** may declare the dismissal invalid, requiring back pay until reinstatement.

Practical Examples of the UWV Approval Procedure in Utrecht

Consider a Utrecht-based retail chain reorganizing due to store closures in the city center. The employer seeks to dismiss five employees for economic reasons and submits a UWV application with a mirror principle calculation. After the hearing, the UWV approves the dismissal without discrimination, and the affected employees receive a **transition payment** and **unemployment benefits**.

Another case: An employee at a Utrecht tech company has been ill for two years due to burnout. The employer requests UWV approval after reintegration efforts, such as a trial placement. If approved, the contract ends, but the employee retains **WIA disability benefits**; **Het Juridisch Loket Utrecht** advises on entitlements.

In a mistake scenario: A Utrecht employer ignores OR advice and incorrectly requests UWV approval for misconduct. The UWV rejects the application, and the employee wins **three months’ salary in damages** at the **District Court of Utrecht**.

Rights and Obligations in the UWV Approval Procedure

Employee Rights in Utrecht

  • Right to be heard: Present your case and provide evidence, with support from **Het Juridisch Loket Utrecht**.
  • Right to a transition payment: **1/3 of monthly salary per year of service** upon dismissal.
  • Right to unemployment benefits (WW): After qualifying for unemployment.
  • Right to object: Against UWV decisions within **six weeks** to the administrative court or **District Court of Utrecht**.

Employer Obligations

  • Reintegration efforts: Minimum **104 weeks**, with UWV reporting.
  • Comply with the mirror principle: Unless exempted for small Utrecht firms.
  • Offer alternative work: Before submitting the application.

For a comparison between UWV procedures and dismissals through the **District Court of Utrecht**, consult **Het Juridisch Loket Utrecht** for personalized advice tailored to your situation in the city.

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