Dismissal during illness in the Netherlands
Illness usually gives protection against dismissal, but it does not prevent every way employment can end. Identify whether the issue is dismissal, a fixed-term contract expiring or a proposed agreement.
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1. Check the facts
Record the first day of illness and the contract end date. Keep letters from the employer, UWV and occupational physician. Ordinary dismissal during the first two years of illness is generally restricted, with exceptions.
2. Take action
A fixed-term contract can still expire during illness. Ask who reports you as sick on leaving employment and discuss the next income route with UWV. Continue following applicable sickness and reintegration procedures.
3. If the problem continues
Do not resign or sign a VSO while ill without individual advice. If you receive a dismissal letter or court papers, seek help immediately: challenge periods may be short. Do not assume the employer's stated date gives you time to wait.
Documents to prepare
- Contract and illness dates
- Dismissal or settlement proposal
- Occupational physician and UWV correspondence
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UWV ↗Rijksoverheid ↗Het Juridisch Loket ↗Sources may be in Dutch. General information about Dutch law, not individual legal advice. Updated 11 September 2026.