On 1 March 2016, the Dutch senate adopted the Act House for whistleblowers (the Act). The Act introduces an independent and impartial governmental institution that investigates wrongdoing and assists employees in disclosure proceedings: the House for Whistleblowers. In addition, the proposal introduces several rules to protect whistleblowers. The Act is expected to come into force
Annette van Beers
Flexible Working Act: Stronger position for employees who want to work from home
On 14 April 2015, the Dutch Senate has accepted the Flexible Working Act, allowing employees of companies in the Netherlands more flexibility in respect of working hours and working from home. With effect from 1 January 2016, employees will be able to ask not only for changes to the number of hours they work, but…
Legislative proposal: Dutch Financial Undertakings (Remuneration Policy) Act
Dutch Financial Undertakings (Remuneration Policy) Act
A bill in respect of remuneration in the Dutch financial sector is currently being debated in the senate: the Dutch Financial Undertakings (Remuneration Policy) Act (Wet beloningsbeleid financiële ondernemingen; the Act).
The proposed rules apply to all financial undertakings that are regulated by the Dutch Financial …
Monitoring social media pays off
WhatsApp messages in which an employee expresses his opinion about a superior in an offensive manner can be sufficient reason for the employee’s instant dismissal. For employers, therefore, monitoring social media use by their employees pays off, and the importance of a good social media policy is ever increasing.
In a recent case, a colleague …
Is final discharge really final?
Introduction
When an employer and an employee come to an agreement regarding the termination of an employment contract, the terms and conditions of such termination will be laid down in a settlement agreement. According to section 7:900 Civil Code, a settlement agreement seeks to conclude or prevent any uncertainty or dispute.
To prevent parties from …
Flexible employment reforms in the Netherlands
On Tuesday 18 February 2014, the Dutch Lower House voted in favour of a bill relating to the Work and Security Act. If the Upper House also votes in favour, dismissal procedures and the Unemployment Insurance Act will be reformed. The bill also contains measures to prevent the improper use of flexible employment. The changes …