Prohibited Dismissal Reasons in Zoetermeer: When May an Employer NOT Dismiss You?
In Zoetermeer and surrounding areas, employers are bound by strict Dutch labour laws. Dismissal for discriminatory or unfair reasons is explicitly prohibited. Discover in this article which dismissal grounds are legally not permitted, your specific rights in the Den Haag region and how you can effectively defend yourself against unlawful dismissal via local institutions such as the Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer.
Legal Basis: Article 7:670 BW in Zoetermeer Context
The core of dismissal protection lies in Article 7:670 BW (Dutch Civil Code Book 7). This protects Zoetermeer employees against dismissal due to personal characteristics or circumstances unrelated to work performance. For procedures in Zoetermeer, the Rechtbank Den Haag (Den Haag district court) has jurisdiction.
Additional laws that apply:
- General Equal Treatment Act (AWGB) - Against discrimination
- Equal Treatment Disability/Chronic Illness Act (Wgbh/cz)
- Equal Treatment Age in Employment Act (WGBL)
- Dutch Civil Code Book 7 - Labour law
Complete Overview of Prohibited Dismissal Reasons
The law lists clear prohibitions. Here is an up-to-date overview for Zoetermeer:
| Prohibited Dismissal Reason | Legal Basis | Explanation for Zoetermeer |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy/childbirth | Art. 7:670 para. 1 BW | Absolute prohibition on termination during pregnancy + 6 weeks post-partum |
| Trade union membership | Art. 7:670 para. 2a BW | Protection for trade union activities, also with local FNV/CNV in Zoetermeer |
| Race/ethnicity | Art. 7:646 BW / AWGB | No dismissal due to origin; procedure at Rechtbank Den Haag |
| Religion/belief | Art. 7:646 BW / AWGB | Religion may never be a dismissal reason |
| Gender | Art. 7:646 BW / AWGB | Equal pay, equal dismissal opportunities required |
| Sexual orientation | Art. 7:646 BW / AWGB | LGBTQ+ protected against discriminatory dismissal |
| Marital status | Art. 7:646 BW / AWGB | Married/single not a criterion |
| Political opinions | Art. 7:646 BW / AWGB | Political preference irrelevant |
| Age | WGBL / Art. 7:646 BW | Age discrimination strictly prohibited |
| Disability/chronic illness | Wgbh/cz / Art. 7:646 BW | Reasonable accommodations required to retain job |
| Part-time/full-time | Art. 7:648 BW | Equal treatment of part-timers |
| Contract type | Art. 7:649 BW | No distinction temporary/permanent |
| Illness (first 2 years) | Art. 7:670 para. 1 BW | 104 weeks prohibition on termination in case of incapacity for work |
| Military service | Art. 7:670 para. 5 BW | Protection during military service |
| Works council/PVT membership | Art. 7:670 para. 2 BW | Extra dismissal protection for works council/PVT |
| Parental leave | Art. 7:670 para. 3 BW | Prohibition during maternity/parental leave |
| Whistleblowing | House for Whistleblowers Act | Protection for reporters of misconduct; reporting point via Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer |
Special Protection in Zoetermeer
Rechtbank Den Haag handles dismissal cases from Zoetermeer. In case of unlawful dismissal, you can demand dismissal protection or reinstatement, plus transition payment and fair compensation.
Help in Zoetermeer: Juridisch Loket
Free advice via Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer. Contact for:
- Dismissal procedure check
- Objection UWV/works council
- Preparation for court case at Rechtbank Den Haag
Do not let yourself be unfairly dismissed. Seek legal support immediately!