Afspiegelingsbeginsel
Reflection Principle
The reflection principle is a selection criterion applied in collective redundancies whereby, within a group of interchangeable positions, the age distribution of the workforce is mirrored in order to determine which employees are to be nominated for dismissal.
The reflection principle is applied in reorganisations and collective redundancies to ensure an objective and balanced selection of employees. It requires that the age composition of the employees selected for dismissal reflects the age distribution within the relevant job category, thereby preventing a disproportionate impact on any single age group.
This principle serves to prevent age discrimination and to ensure an equitable allocation of dismissal risk. It is set out in the Dismissal Regulations and is reviewed by the UWV when assessing applications for a dismissal permit under the Collective Redundancy Notification Act.
In practice, employers calculate, for each age bracket (15–24, 25–34, 35–44, 45–54 and 55+), the number of employees to be dismissed in order to preserve the original age distribution.
“The employer applied the reflection principle to determine which employees within the administration department were eligible for dismissal.”
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