In this video, we explain in a few steps what you need to take care of in case of sick leave.

A title appears on screen.
Business.gov.nl
Information for entrepreneurs.
Step-by-step plan to sick leave: your employee calls in sick.

Host Claire King:

Has an employee called in sick?
Then there are several things you need to do.
I will talk you through them step by step, starting with step one.

Do not ask why your employee is calling in sick.
This is not allowed due to privacy reasons.
Your employee does not have to tell you what is going on.
However, you can ask them when they think they will be able to return to work and whether it might be possible to do other work.

Now step two.
Contact the company doctor or health and safety service.

Report your employees illness to your company doctor or occupational health and safety service within one week.
Is your employee better again?
Then report this too.
Do you hire the employee through a temping agency or payroll company?
Then you do not need to do anything.

On to step three: Contact UWV.

In some cases, you must report your employee sick to the employee insurance agency UWV.
If your employee has been sick for 42 weeks.
If your employees entitled to benefits under the Sickness Benefits Act for example, if they are pregnant or if their contract expires...
while they are sick, you then report your employee sick to UWV on their last working day.

And step four: Keep paying their salary.

If your employee is sick for a longer period, you must continue to pay them at least 70% of their last salary and holiday allowance.
If the employee's contract or collective labour agreement specifies a higher percentage, then you must pay that.
You must continue paying your employees salary for a maximum of two years.
The amount must not fall below the minimum wage in the first year.
In the second year, it may.

After two years of illness, you no longer have to keep paying wages.
UWV will then assess whether your employee is entitled to the WIA benefit for incapacity to work.
If your employee becomes ill while on holiday, this does not cost any holiday days.
However, your employee must call in sick during the holiday.

Let's continue to step five: Do not dismiss your sick employee.

You may only dismiss your sick employee in certain situations.
For example, during their trial period or in cases of instant dismissal or bankruptcy.

Now we move on to the last step: Help with reintegration.

Is your employee ill for a long time?
Then together you should look for ways that they can get back to work.
This is called reintegration.
You can do this in two ways.
One, your employee returns to work for you in a new or modified job.
You can adapt their workplace, for example or allow them to work flexible hours.
Or two, your employee can no longer work for you and gets a suitable job with another employer.

Try to prevent absenteeism, together with your employees.
Reduce health complaints by, for example having a good health and safety and absenteeism policy.
And communicating this clearly.
Also adhere to mandatory safety standards.
And pay attention to your employees personal working conditions.

Finally, as an employer you can become a self-insurer for the Sickness Benefits Act or the Return to Work of Partially Disabled Persons Scheme (WGA).
If your employee becomes ill or unfit for work.
You will pay the benefit yourself instead of UWV.
You can take out a WGA or Sickness Benefits Insurance policy with a private indemnity insurer.
They usually also provide support with the reintegration process.
You can find a complete overview of all indemnity insurers in the Netherlands at the Dutch Association of Insurers.
the Verbond van Verzekeraars.

Follow these steps to comply with the rules about sick leave and help your employees get back to work.
Want to know more? Visit Business.gov.nl.

A title appears on screen.
Business.gov.nl 
Information for entrepreneurs.