Unpaid leave is a period when you do not work and do not receive any wages. You are still employed by your employer.
You might want to stop working for a while, for example so that you can visit family abroad for an extended period or because you need to take time off for another reason. In the Netherlands, you can request unpaid leave from your employer. This means you have time off but do not receive your wages during that period.
In the Netherlands, you cannot take unpaid leave without asking your employer first. Your employer can say no. If your employer says yes, you and your employer must record the agreements in writing. You agree when your leave will start, how long it will last and what the consequences will be.
In the Netherlands, you do not receive any wages while you are on unpaid leave. This has an impact on your income. In many cases, you will not build up any pension during that period. Your insurance cover and allowances might also change, so check this carefully before you go on leave and ask your employer for advice.
No, you have no legal right to unpaid leave in the Netherlands. You must always request this leave from your employer. Your employer can say yes or no. This will depend on your work, the situation and the arrangements set out in your contract or CAO.
You do not usually build up new holiday days while you are on unpaid leave. In some cases you can start your period of leave by taking the holiday days that you have built up. Make clear agreements about this with your employer so you know what will happen.
While you are on unpaid leave, you usually remain insured for things such as medical expenses. However, this is not always the case. It depends on how long your leave lasts and what arrangements have been made. If anything is uncertain, ask your employer for advice.
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