Best Wrongful Termination Lawyers in Borne

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Thijs Geerdink Advocatenkantoor
Borne, Netherlands

10 people in their team
English
Thijs Geerdink Advocatenkantoor is a Dutch law firm with offices in Borne and Nijverdal, delivering a broad range of legal services to individuals and businesses. The practice emphasizes pragmatic, client focused advocacy and applies direct, transparent communication to complex legal matters.Led by...
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1. About Wrongful Termination Law in Borne, Netherlands

Wrongful termination, or onrechtmatig ontslag, occurs when an employer ends an employment contract in violation of Dutch law or the contract terms. In Borne, these rules apply just as they do across the Netherlands, with local courts and regional labor bodies handling disputes. The core protections come from the Dutch Civil Code and the special labor market laws that govern when and how a dismissal can occur.

Two main pathways exist for challenging a termination: through the UWV for dismissal on economic grounds or illness, and through the kantonrechter for disputes about unilateral termination or invalid grounds. In practice, many wrongfully terminated workers first seek advice from a lawyer to assess whether proper procedure, grounds, and notice periods were followed. A targeted legal strategy improves your chances of obtaining compensation or reinstatement if justified.

For residents of Borne, the local context includes working in or around Twente and Overijssel, where regional labor offices and courts handle dismissal matters. While the substantive rules are national, local counsel can offer guidance on how to file in the correct court or how to navigate UWV procedures efficiently. An early consultation with a specialist can help you preserve evidence and meet deadlines.

Source: ILO.org - Unfair dismissal protections are embedded in national labor laws and reinforced by EU and international standards.
Source: rijksoverheid.nl - Dismissals in the Netherlands must be based on legitimate grounds and proper procedural steps, with remedies available for wrongful termination.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

Case-specific legal guidance can significantly affect the outcome of a wrongful termination claim in Borne. Below are concrete scenarios where a lawyer is typically essential.

  • You were fired while on sick leave or during protected medical or pregnancy-related leave. An attorney can assess whether the dismissal violated protection against illness-related or maternity-related termination and help you seek reinstatement or compensation.
  • Your employer terminated your fixed-term contract early without a legally valid reason or proper notice. A lawyer can determine whether the contract termination complied with the WWZ and local practice and whether damages or a renewal are warranted.
  • You received a non-compensated or inadequately motivated layoff during an economic downturn in the Twente region. An attorney can evaluate whether the employer followed UWV procedures and whether severance rights (transitievergoeding) apply.
  • You believe the dismissal was a pretext to discriminate or retaliate for whistleblowing or a protected activity. An attorney can investigate evidence of discrimination or harassment and pursue remedies under Dutch equal treatment law.
  • The employer did not provide the legally required notice period or severance, or paid a lower amount than the law prescribes. A lawyer can calculate the correct compensation and negotiate or litigate to recover the difference.
  • You face a group layoff or restructuring within a local business and want to ensure fair selection criteria and compliance with WWZ rules. An attorney can review the selection process and challenge unfair criteria if needed.

Hiring a lawyer in Borne adds practical value: they can collect and preserve evidence, help you communicate with the employer, and represent you in court or before UWV when needed. A qualified attorney can also explain the long-term financial impact of a dismissal and outline options such as reinstatement versus compensation. This focused guidance helps you avoid costly missteps during the dismissal process.

3. Local Laws Overview

The Netherlands uses a framework of statutory provisions and court-based rules to govern wrongful termination. Below are the central laws and recent developments most relevant to residents of Borne.

  • Burgerlijk Wetboek Boek 7 (Civil Code Boek 7) - Ontbinding van de arbeidsovereenkomst. This section covers contract termination, including grounds, notice, and court procedures for disputes over dismissal. It provides the baseline rights for both employers and employees in employment relationships.
  • Wet Werk en Zekerheid (WWZ) - 2015 in werking. WWZ revised how dismissals are processed, emphasized procedural safeguards, and introduced the transition payment (transitievergoeding) for employees with extended service. The 2015 reform reshaped the route to termination and the remedies available to workers.
  • Wet Arbeidsmarkt in Balans (WAB) - 2020 in werking. WAB modernized the Dutch labor market, including changes to flexible contracts, permanent employment expectations, and some aspects of dismissal procedures. It remains a live framework that employers and workers watch for further adjustments.

Key concepts you should know include the option to pursue dismissal via UWV for economic reasons or illness, and the alternative route of ontbinding via kantonrechter if the UWV path does not apply or is not pursued. The transition allowance and other compensation are designed to support workers after termination, and the exact amounts depend on service length and salary. Local counsel can translate these general rules into a concrete plan for your situation in Borne.

Recent trends in wrongful termination practice in the Netherlands emphasize timely action, proper documentation, and careful consideration of the method of termination. Data from national labor authorities indicates that most disputes hinge on lack of notice, improper grounds, or flawed documentation. A lawyer can help ensure your case adheres to procedural timelines and evidentiary standards.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What constitutes wrongful termination in the Netherlands?

Wrongful termination occurs when an employer ends an employee contract without a valid legal ground or without following required procedures. It can involve discriminatory actions, retaliation, or leafing out legal protections for illness or maternity leave.

How do I start a wrongful termination claim in Borne?

Begin by consulting a lawyer who specializes in Dutch labor law. They will assess grounds, gather evidence, and determine whether to pursue UWV procedures or kantonrechter proceedings. Timely action is essential to protect rights.

What is the role of UWV in dismissal matters?

UWV assesses economic dismissals and certain illness-related terminations. If court authorization is not required, UWV may grant permission for dismissal or advise on remedy options for the employee.

Do I need a lawyer to file a claim in court?

No, you can file yourself, but representation by a qualified attorney improves preparation and advocacy. A lawyer helps with evidence, timelines, and procedural strategy in kantonrechter cases.

How long does a typical wrongful termination case take?

Timeline varies by route and complexity. An UWV decision can take several weeks, while kantonrechter proceedings often span a few months, depending on court backlog and case specifics.

Is reinstatement possible after wrongful termination?

Yes, reinstatement is a remedy in some cases, especially when dismissal is deemed unjust or discriminatory. If reinstatement is not practical, courts often award compensation or severance rights.

Do I qualify for a transition payment (transitievergoeding)?

Most employees with at least two years of service qualify for a transition payment, subject to the specific terms of the WWZ and WAB. The exact amount depends on service length and salary.

What if my employer claims a legitimate economic reason for dismissal?

A lawyer evaluates whether the claimed economic grounds meet statutory requirements and whether proper procedure was followed. If not, the dismissal may still be wrongful.

Can I challenge the notice period in a dismissal?

Yes, if the notice period was shortened improperly or not provided at all, you may challenge it as part of a wrongful termination claim. Your attorney can quantify the impact and pursue remedies.

What is the difference between UWV pathways and kantonrechter routes?

UWV pathways focus on dismissal approvals for economic reasons or illness, while kantonrechter routes resolve disputes about the legality of a dismissal after it occurs. Your lawyer can choose the best route based on facts.

Do I need to prove discrimination to win a wrongful termination case?

Discrimination claims require evidence of unequal treatment based on protected characteristics. Your lawyer can help collect relevant documents and testimony to support such a claim.

What documents should I gather for a wrongful termination case?

Collect your employment contract, pay slips, communications about the dismissal, sick leave certificates, and any performance reviews. Chronological records strengthen your case and facilitate review by counsel.

5. Additional Resources

6. Next Steps

  1. Document your termination promptly by collecting all notices, emails, and performance reviews. Do this within 7 days of receiving the dismissal.
  2. Consult a Dutch labour-law attorney who handles wrongful termination cases in the Overijssel region. Schedule an initial consult within 2 weeks to review evidence and options.
  3. Determine the correct route: UWV for economic or illness-based dismissals, or kantonrechter for disputes about grounds or procedure. Your attorney will guide you on the best path.
  4. Gather key documents for your attorney: contract, pay slips, notice of dismissal, medical statements, and any witness statements from colleagues. Prepare a detailed timeline of events.
  5. Ask your attorney to calculate potential remedies, including severance (transitievergoeding), back pay, and possible reinstatement. Clarify the expected range and timeframes for recovery.
  6. Filing deadlines vary by route; your attorney will outline exact dates. Do not delay action to preserve your rights and ensure timely submission.
  7. Plan for court or mediation: discuss possible settlement offers, negotiation strategies, and whether to pursue reinstatement or compensation. Your lawyer helps set realistic expectations and negotiations.

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The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

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