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 … Continue reading
The Dutch government recently decided to extend paternity leave arrangements for fathers. This gives the father the opportunity to spend a full working week with his child, which (according to a study by the OECD) would increase his involvement in the raising and care of the child. It is important for employers to be prepared … Continue reading
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 … Continue reading
If you are an employer currently offering your Dutch employees participation in a pension arrangement, then the below is a “must read”. In the Netherlands a legislative proposal is pending which may have an impact on the pension arrangements within your company. As of 1 January 2015 the following changes may come into force: For … Continue reading
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 … Continue reading
The Dutch Social and Economic Council (the SER) on 10 February 2014 announced a revision of the Dutch Merger Code (SER Fusiegedragsregels) that is of importance for the timing of trade union involvement in mergers and acquisitions. The Merger Code (the Code) protects the interests of the employees involved in a merger. The Code has … Continue reading