UWV Dismissal Approval Procedure in Zoetermeer
The UWV approval procedure is a fundamental aspect of Dutch employment law and is mandatory for employers in Zoetermeer who wish to dismiss an employee at their own initiative, such as due to economic challenges or long-term illness. This regulation safeguards employees' rights in our region and provides an independent assessment by the UWV. Residents of Zoetermeer are advised to contact Het Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer for free advice on dismissal matters. Note: this procedure does not always apply, such as in cases of misconduct, where the Zoetermeer District Court (via the cantonal judge) may be involved.
What Does the UWV Approval Procedure Involve in Zoetermeer?
In Zoetermeer, the UWV approval procedure governs the application for dismissal with the Dutch Social Security Agency (UWV), particularly relevant for local businesses undergoing restructuring or dealing with prolonged employee absence due to illness. Employers in the municipality of Zoetermeer must follow this process unless dismissal is handled through the cantonal judge, such as in cases of economic necessity or after two years of illness. The UWV reviews compliance with rules like the mirror principle, which protects older employees. Without approval, dismissal is invalid, and the employee in Zoetermeer can challenge it before the Zoetermeer District Court.
This procedure prevents unfair dismissals and protects local workers. Small businesses in Zoetermeer (with fewer than 25 employees) may be exempt from mirroring requirements, but UWV approval remains essential. The process typically takes 4 to 8 weeks, and residents can seek additional support from the Municipality of Zoetermeer for complex cases.
Legal Basis of the UWV Approval Procedure
The UWV approval procedure is governed by the Wet Werk en Zekerheid (WWZ) and the Dutch Civil Code (BW), with direct relevance for employers in Zoetermeer. Key provisions include:
- Article 7:669(1) BW: Requires employers in Zoetermeer to seek UWV approval for non-personal dismissal reasons, such as economic downturns.
- Article 7:671 BW: Establishes the procedure for dismissal after two years of illness, with UWV review.
- Article 7:670 BW: Assesses the fairness of dismissal and compliance with compensation obligations, relevant for local disputes.
The Wet Vereenvoudiging Werkzaamheidsrecht (WWZ) replaced the old permit system with this approval process in 2015. In Zoetermeer, the UWV considers collective labor agreements (CAOs) and the Wet op de Ondernemingsraden (WOR) for works council advice. In case of violations, employees can claim damages through the Zoetermeer District Court, with guidance from Het Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer.
Steps in the UWV Approval Procedure for Zoetermeer
The UWV approval procedure follows a clear structure, adapted to local practices in Zoetermeer. Below is an overview:
- Employer Preparation: Attempt internal relocation or offer alternative employment, applying the mirror principle during reorganizations in local firms.
- Submitting the Application: Via the UWV’s online form, including documents such as a social plan, works council advice, and mirroring calculations. Submit at least one month before the dismissal date; Zoetermeer employers can consult local experts.
- Hearing: The UWV hears the employee, typically via phone or at a nearby office. Residents of Zoetermeer can submit objections with evidence, and the UWV assesses fairness.
- Decision and Ruling: A decision follows within four weeks. If approved, the dismissal proceeds; if rejected, an objection can be filed within six weeks with the administrative court, potentially through the Zoetermeer District Court.
- Executing the Dismissal: With approval, the dismissal is formalized, considering notice periods and transition payments. Employees in Zoetermeer retain unemployment insurance (WW) rights.
Failure to follow the procedure may result in the Zoetermeer District Court declaring the dismissal invalid, with back pay up to reinstatement.
Practical Examples of the UWV Approval Procedure in Zoetermeer
Consider a retail business in Zoetermeer’s city center undergoing restructuring due to store closures. The employer seeks UWV approval for five dismissals on economic grounds, including a mirroring calculation. After a hearing, the UWV approves without discrimination, and affected employees receive transition payments plus unemployment benefits through local UWV offices.
Another case: An employee at a Zoetermeer tech company has been ill for two years after an accident. The employer requests approval after reintegration efforts, such as trial placements. The UWV reviews this and approves, allowing the employee to apply for a disability benefit (WIA) via the Municipality of Zoetermeer.
In a failure case: A Zoetermeer employer ignores works council advice during a non-personal misconduct dismissal. The UWV denies approval, and the employee wins three months’ salary in damages at the Zoetermeer District Court, with support from Het Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer.
Rights and Obligations in the UWV Approval Procedure
Employee Rights in Zoetermeer
- Right to a hearing: Present your case and provide evidence.
- Right to transition payment: 1/3 of monthly salary per year of service if approved.
- Right to unemployment benefits: After receiving a work incapacity declaration, with local authority assistance.
- Right to appeal: Within six weeks to the administrative court, supported by Het Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer.
Employer Obligations
- Reintegration efforts: Minimum 104 weeks, with reporting to the UWV.
- Compliance with the mirror principle: Unless exempt for small Zoetermeer businesses.
- Offer alternative employment: Before submitting the application.
For a comparison between UWV and cantonal judge procedures in Zoetermeer, consult Het Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer for personalized advice.
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