Emergency leave

If you work in the Netherlands and something unexpected happens that means you have to stop working briefly, you can go on leave. This is called emergency leave. This leave is for short periods, often just a few hours and usually no more than one day. 

Leave especially for emergencies 

If you have to deal with a difficult situation at home or on the way to work, such as a burst pipe or a car accident, you can take time off work to deal with it. This is called emergency leave. You must tell your employer as soon as possible.  

Duration of leave

How long your leave lasts depends on the situation. If you have to call a plumber to fix a burst pipe, your leave might last only take a few hours. It might last several days if you have to arrange a funeral for a member of your family.  

Wages while you are on leave 

Your employer must continue to pay your wages while you are on emergency leave. This is because you are allowed to take leave if something unexpected happens that prevents you from working. Your employer might ask you afterwards to prove why you needed to go on leave. If you did not have a good reason, you will have to make up that day or use a holiday day instead. 

Reasons for emergency leave 

You have a right to emergency leave or short-term leave in unforeseen situations and exceptional personal situations. In such situations, you need to take time off work immediately due to circumstances beyond your control. You can also go on leave if there is something you must deal with according to the authorities. 

Examples of situations 

There are a number of situations in which you may take emergency leave: 

• You have a child at school who suddenly becomes sick and you have to collect your child from school. 
• Your partner is about to give birth. 
• You have a burst pipe at home and must call a plumber immediately. 
• Your parent, child, brother or sister dies, or another member of your immediate family dies. 
• You are only able to vote during working hours. 
• You have to go to the doctor and can only do this during working hours, or you need to take someone else to the doctor, such as your child or partner.