Leave options in the Netherlands

A healthy work-life balance is becoming increasingly important for employees. Your Dutch staff may also come to you with questions. In this article, we will explain some of the types of leave to which employees are entitled. We will also inform you about a number of changes. Does your staff fall under a collective agreement? Then different rules may apply.

Maternity leave

Is your employee pregnant? Then she is entitled to maternity leave. Maternity leave starts 4 to 6 weeks before the expected date of birth. The exact date is for your employee to decide. The leave lasts until 10-12 weeks after the actual date of birth. During this leave, she can receive a benefit from Employee Insurance Agency UWV, equal to 100% of her salary – but no more than € 228.76 per working day.

Post-birth leave

The partner of  a woman giving birth is entitled to 1 week of paid post-birth leave. The costs of this week are payable by you. If the employee wants more post-birth leave, they can apply for additional post-birth leave – of up to 5 weeks. These days must be taken within 6 months of the birth. You do not need to pay the partner. The partner receives a benefit of 70% of their salary for these days – but no more than € 160.13 per working day.

Parental leave

Employees with children are also entitled to take parental leave. For each child, the employee is entitled to 20 times their weekly working hours of parental leave. Parental leave must be taken in the first 8 years of the child’s life. These hours are unpaid. The employee does not receive any benefits, either.

In August 2022, there will be a legislative change in the Netherlands. Employees can then take up to 9 weeks of paid parental leave – but only in the first year of the child’s life. You are not required to pay the employee during this parental leave, but the employee may receive a benefit of 70% of their salary – but no more than € 160.13 per working day.

You apply for the above benefits on behalf of your employees. The accon■avm employer service will be pleased to help if you need any assistance.

We are also happy to advise you if you have any questions about the rights and obligations of your employees who are taking leave (or want to take leave). Please contact your contact person of the international employer service or send an email to international@acconavm.nl.