Number of dismissal permits due to disability drops dramatically

The number of dismissal permits granted due to disability dropped sharply from 18.7 thousand in 2003 to 5.7 thousand in 2007. This is partly caused by stricter legislation and growing attention to reintegration of sick employees.

Considerable reduction

Employers are not allowed to dismiss a sick employee during the first two years of their illness. After expiration of this period, the contract can be terminated, in which case a dismissal permit, issued by the Centre of Work and Income (CWI) is required.

Between 2003 and 2007, the number of dismissal permits issued by the CWI for disabled employees diminished dramatically from 18.7 thousand to 5.7 thousand. This substantial decline is partly caused by various legal measures taken in recent years to reduce the number of claims for disability benefits, like the new law introduced on 1 April 2002 to improve and speed up the reintegration process of long-term sick employees (Wet Verbetering Poortwachter).

Dismissal permits granted for disability

Dismissal permits granted for disability

Total number of requests for dismissal permits also down

There can be other reasons for dismissal, for instance, if an employee performs poorly. If an employer wishes to terminate a labour contract unilaterally, he/she can call in the CWI or go to court. Dismissal on grounds of disability often involves the CWI or is realised by mutual consent.

The total number of applications involving a court decision or the CWI declined considerably due to the economic situation. Last year, employers submitted 57.5 dismissal applications as opposed to nearly 103 thousand in 2006. 

Total number of applications for dismissal submitted

Total number of applications for dismissal submitted

CWI complies with 80 percent of requests

In four out of every five cases, the permit was actually granted by the CWI in 2007. Requests for dissolution of labour contracts submitted to court were almost invariably granted.

Arno Sprangers