Illness and reintegration

On long-term sick leave or unfit for work? Strict rules apply around illness and reintegration for both employee and employer. Arbeidsjurist Eindhoven helps you take the right steps, from continued payment of wages and the Gatekeeper Improvement Act (Wet verbetering poortwachter) to reintegration and a possible termination after 2 years of illness.

  • Know exactly what your rights and obligations are during illness.
  • Avoid a wage sanction or unnecessary conflict with timely advice.
  • Help with a settlement agreement or transitional allowance after 2 years of illness.
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Rights and obligations during illness

Your rights and obligations during illness

During illness the employer has an obligation to continue paying wages for up to 104 weeks (2 years). In return there are obligations to cooperate with recovery and reintegration. Employer and employee must follow the reintegration process together under the Gatekeeper Improvement Act.

  • Continued payment of wages (usually 70%, often higher in the first year)
  • Plan of action and periodic evaluations
  • Involvement of a company doctor and (if progress stalls) the UWV

Reintegration: track 1 and track 2

Reintegration starts with a return to your own or adapted work at the current employer (track 1). If that does not work, reintegration with another employer comes into play (track 2). An insufficient reintegration effort can lead to a wage sanction for the employer (an extra year of continued wage payment).

We assess whether the process is running correctly and what your position is, as an employee or as an employer.

Have your situation assessed
Reintegration track 1 and track 2

Frequently asked questions about illness and reintegration

Answers to frequently asked questions by employees and employers.

How long am I entitled to continued payment of wages during illness?
In principle up to 104 weeks (2 years). The amount is usually at least 70% of your wage; often more in the first year, depending on your collective labour agreement (cao) or contract.
What is the Gatekeeper Improvement Act?
This act prescribes which steps employer and employee must take together to promote reintegration, with fixed moments such as the plan of action and the first-year evaluation.
What is a wage sanction?
If the UWV finds that the employer has done too little on reintegration, it can extend the continued payment of wages by up to a year.
Am I entitled to a transitional allowance after 2 years of illness?
Yes. Upon dismissal after long-term incapacity for work there is a right to the transitional allowance; the employer can apply for compensation from the UWV.
May I sign a settlement agreement during illness?
Be careful: signing during illness can affect your WW and ZW (sickness benefit) rights. Always have the agreement checked by us first.

What our clients say about us

Many clients came before you. Below is a selection of the reviews we have received.

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Need advice on illness or reintegration?

Our employment lawyers in Eindhoven are happy to help. Call, email or make an appointment.

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