Netherlands - Industrial accidents and occupational diseases
In the Netherlands, there are no separate schemes for industrial accidents and occupational diseases. The rules for sick pay in the event of illness and work incapacity benefits apply to all cases of illness or incapacity for work.
In what situation can I claim?
In the Netherlands, there are no separate schemes for industrial accidents and occupational diseases. The rules for sick pay in the event of illness and work incapacity benefits apply to all cases of illness or incapacity for work.
If you become ill and are in paid employment, your employer must continue to pay at least 70% of your pay. If you are a temporary employee or are receiving unemployment benefit, you are covered by the Sickness Benefits Act and will receive a benefit from UWV, the Employee Insurance Agency.
If you are self-employed, you can take out insurance in case you become ill.
For more information, please see the chapter Invalidity benefit.
What conditions do I need to meet?
When you become ill, you must report this to your employer as soon as possible (no later than the second day of your illness).
Employers may impose supervision requirements with which the ill employee must comply.
What am I entitled to and how can I claim?
In the Netherlands, there are no separate schemes for accidents at work and occupational diseases. The rules for sick pay in the event of illness and work incapacity benefits apply to all cases of illness or incapacity for work.
Furthermore, workers can sue their employer in the civil court and claim additional financial compensation to compensate for the damage.
If 70% of your daily income is less than the minimum income (sociaal minimum), you may be entitled to a supplement based on the Supplementary Benefits Act (Toeslagenwet).
Jargon busters
- Sickness Benefits Act (Ziektewet, ZW): a Dutch law implemented by UWV to ensure that ill employees, whose employer is not obliged to continue to pay during illness (for example because they are no longer employed), have the right to a benefit.
- Supplementary Benefits Act (Toeslagenwet): a Dutch law that is implemented by the UWV. The supplement based on this Act increases the income of benefit recipients in certain cases to the level of the minimum income (sociaal minimum).
- Employee Insurance Agency (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen, UWV): a Dutch welfare agency responsible for implementing the employee insurance schemes (unemployment, illness, incapacity for work).
Know your rights
European Commission publication and website:
Who do you need to contact?
When you become ill, you must report this to your employer as soon as possible. The first two years of your sickness, the employer pays your salary.
If you are seeking advice or help with your EU rights, please apply for help from the EU.