The WIEG Scheme: Paid Parental Leave in Zoetermeer
The WIEG scheme (Paid Parental Leave Act) provides working parents in Zoetermeer with nine weeks of paid leave upon the birth of their child. This is in addition to standard birth leave and is available to both parents. The benefit is 70% of your daily wage (with a maximum) and is provided by the UWV. Since 1 August 2022, this scheme helps parents in Zoetermeer spend more quality time with their newborn.
What Does the WIEG Scheme Mean for Residents of Zoetermeer?
The WIEG scheme expands the Dutch leave system with paid parental leave. Previously, fathers and partners only had unpaid parental leave or a short paid birth leave of 5 days. Now both parents in Zoetermeer are entitled to nine consecutive weeks of leave, part of which is paid. This must be taken within one year of the birth, in consultation with your employer and consecutively.
The law promotes a fair division of work and care for families in Zoetermeer. It focuses primarily on the mother's partner, but mothers can also use it after their maternity and birth leave.
Legal Basis of the WIEG Scheme
The WIEG scheme is set out in the Paid Parental Leave Act, which amends the Work and Care Act (WAZO). Relevant provisions are:
- Article 1:1(1) WAZO: Definition of parental leave.
- Article 2:1 WAZO: Duration of nine weeks.
- Article 6:1 WAZO: UWV benefit.
This complies with EU Directive 2019/1158 on work-life balance. The maximum daily wage for 2024 is € 274.44, linked to the Sickness Benefits Act.
Conditions for WIEG Leave in Zoetermeer
To qualify for the WIEG scheme in Zoetermeer, the following requirements apply:
- You are an employee (including on-call workers with ≥26 weeks of service).
- Child born on or after 1 August 2022.
- Leave within 52 weeks of birth.
- Notify employer at least 4 weeks in advance.
- Apply to UWV before the first day of leave for the benefit.
Self-employed workers (ZZP'ers) in Zoetermeer do not receive a benefit but are entitled to leave with a client.
Rights and Obligations under WIEG in Zoetermeer
Rights as an Employee
- Nine weeks of part-time leave (up to 50% reduction in working hours).
- Dismissal protection during and after leave.
- UWV benefit: 70% of social insurance daily wage (max. € 274.44 in 2024).
Obligations
- Take consecutively.
- Notify employer in time.
- Apply for and report UWV benefit.
Practical Examples for Zoetermeer
Example 1: Father Mark from Zoetermeer works 40 hours/week; child born 1 September 2023. He takes WIEG leave from 2 January to 26 February 2024 (9 weeks). Daily wage € 200: 45 days x 70% = € 140/day, total € 6,300 gross. Employer may top up.
Example 2: Mother Lisa from Zoetermeer has 12 weeks maternity leave, followed by 9 weeks WIEG. Working 24 hours/week, she reduces to 50% during leave.
Comparison with Other Leave Entitlements
| Scheme | Duration | Paid | For Whom | Takable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birth Leave | 1 week (5 days) | 100% salary by employer | Partner | Within 4 weeks of birth |
| WIEG Scheme | 9 weeks | 70% UWV (max daily wage) | Both parents | Within 1 year |
| Parental Leave | 26 weeks per parent | Unpaid | Both parents | Until child is 8 |
| Adoption Leave | 6 weeks | 100% UWV | Both parents | Within 1 year of adoption |
Applying for WIEG Leave Step by Step
- Notify employer (min. 4 weeks in advance).
- Apply for benefit on UWV.nl with DigiD (ideally 8 weeks before start).
- Send UWV decision to employer.
- Enjoy leave and receive weekly benefit.
Perhaps Also of Interest
Read more about Paid Parental Leave (WIEG), Maternity Leave or Birth Leave for Zoetermeer.
Frequently Asked Questions about WIEG in Zoetermeer
Can I spread out WIEG weeks?
No, must be taken consecutively. Part-time up to 50% is possible.
Does the employer refuse the application?
No, not if notified in time. In case of issues: Zoetermeer District Court, Legal Aid Office Zoetermeer or Netherlands Labour Authority.
WIEG for adoption?
No, only for biological birth. Adoption leave is separate.
Wage top-up?
Not mandatory, but check collective labor agreement or contract. Municipality of Zoetermeer offers general family support.
Tips for Parents in Zoetermeer
- Plan early with your employer to avoid conflicts.
- Consult Legal Aid Office Zoetermeer for free advice.
- Combine with local initiatives from the Municipality of Zoetermeer for young families.