Deeltijdontslag

Part-time dismissal refers to a situation in which an employer partially terminates the employment contract with an employee, resulting in a structural reduction of the agreed working hours. This mechanism is primarily employed in economic circumstances or reorganisations to avoid full dismissals and to control costs.

In Dutch employment law, part-time dismissal is relevant because it affords employers flexibility without severing the entire employment relationship. The employee retains accrued rights and entitlements based on the remaining portion of the contract, while the employer must comply with stringent conditions.

In practice, part-time dismissal generally requires a reasonable ground and often the approval of the UWV or the subdistrict court. It must moreover be proportionate and equitable, with due regard to the employee’s interests.