What constitutes an urgent cause for dismissal in Westland?
An **urgent cause** under employment law allows employers to dismiss an employee **immediately** without observing the notice period. This applies exclusively in cases of **serious misconduct** that irreparably damage the employment relationship or directly threaten business operations. Examples include theft, fraud, aggression or persistently unacceptable behaviour. In Westland, under the jurisdiction of the District Court of The Hague, this must always be based on **solid evidence**.
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Legal provision for urgent cause in the Netherlands
The basis is **Article 7:678 of the Dutch Civil Code**. An employer in Westland may dismiss immediately in cases of:
1. **Serious negligence** by the employee, such as:
- **Theft** or **fraud** within the company.
- **Physical violence**, **threats** or intimidation towards colleagues or customers.
- **Prolonged unexplained absence** without medical substantiation.
- **Leakage of trade secrets** to third parties.
2. Situations in which continuation of the employment is **immediately impossible** due to the severity.
> **Note:** The cause must be **objectively demonstrable**. Personal antipathies or trivial issues do not qualify.
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Practical examples of urgent cause in Westland
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Fraud or embezzlement:
A glazier in Westland who steals materials for private use risks summary dismissal upon proof via CCTV footage.
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Aggressive behaviour:
Physical confrontation with a colleague in a greenhouse company justifies immediate termination.
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Unjustified sick leave:
Repeated absence without medical examination report, despite re-integration efforts, may constitute grounds – but consultation is required.
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Betrayal of trust relationship:
Passing on customer data to a competitor in the flower cultivation sector.
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Safety risks:
Deliberately ignoring protocols in a logistics centre, endangering others.
> **Tip:** Proportional action is key; a one-off mistake rarely leads to dismissal.
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Rights and obligations in case of summary dismissal
Employer in Westland
- **Immediate dismissal** without warning, provided it is proven.
- **No notice period**, but burden of proof (witnesses, documents).
Employee
- Right to **written reasons**.
- Option to **object** with the **District Court of The Hague** (Westland district).
- Advice via **Juridisch Loket Westland** for free assistance.
- In case of unlawfulness: claim for **damages** or **reinstatement**.
Obligations of the employer
- **Objective assessment** and submission of evidence.
- In Westland: procedure via the cantonal judge in The Hague in case of disputes.
Contact the Juridisch Loket Westland for local support if in doubt.