Suppose you are driving home after a long shift in the greenhouses of Honselersdijk along the N213 when you are informed that your contract is ending. Those first 48 hours determine whether you retain a WW benefit and a reasonable compensation. Follow these steps and do not forfeit any rights.
First hour: Demand written confirmation including the reason
An oral notification is legally vulnerable. Immediately request a letter or email from your employer stating the exact ground for dismissal. Without motivation there is often no valid basis. Send a brief confirmation yourself: “As discussed today...”
Immediately thereafter: Collect your documents before access is lost
Retrieve promptly:
- Employment contract including all annexes
- Payslips for the past twelve months and annual statement
- Performance reviews and appraisal interviews
- Emails concerning your performance
- The applicable collective agreement and any bonus schemes
- Pension overviews
Email copies to your private address. Never remove company files; this may constitute an urgent reason.
Within 24 hours: Sign nothing under pressure
In the case of a settlement agreement a statutory cooling-off period of 14 days applies (article 7:670b BW). This period is mandatory. If you nevertheless sign, you may still withdraw free of charge and in writing.
Day 1: Immediately contact an employment lawyer in Naaldwijk
An initial consultation usually lasts 30 to 60 minutes and costs € 150-250, sometimes free of charge as an introductory meeting. The lawyer verifies whether the dismissal ground holds, whether any improvement trajectory was conducted correctly, whether the compensation is reasonable and whether your WW entitlement remains intact. In most cases the lawyer negotiates 20-40 % more compensation.
Make an appointment with Arslan at Verdilaan 30, 2671 BR Naaldwijk via 070 - 4500 300.
Day 2: Protect your WW entitlement
The ground for dismissal must not be culpable. Ensure the agreement contains neutral wording such as “difference of opinion”. Avoid phrases such as “due to underperformance” or “summary dismissal”, otherwise UWV will impose a sanction.
Critical time limits you must not miss
- 14 days — statutory cooling-off period after signing the settlement agreement
- 2 months — period to set aside a summary dismissal
- 3 months — claim the transition payment (transitievergoeding) before the cantonal judge of Rechtbank Den Haag
- 3 months — apply for WW at UWV
Mistakes you must absolutely avoid
No LinkedIn update before everything is clear. Do not take customer data or files that qualify as trade secrets. No angry emails to the employer. Keep all communication professional and factual. In case of doubt, contact Juridisch Loket Den Haag.