💼WorkUpdated: May 2026

⚖️ Unfairly dismissed — what do I do now?

Direct answer

For unfair dismissal you have a strict 2-month deadline: (1) Call your union immediately — FNV 020-585 6000 or CNV 030-331 9944, often free legal aid for members. (2) No union? Juridisch Loket 0900-8020 free advice, then possibly legal insurance. (3) Apply for UWV unemployment within 1 week of dismissal — even during challenge, prevents income gap. (4) County court procedure: file petition within 2 months or lose right to annulment or transition compensation. Procedure takes 3-6 months. (5) Settlement agreement: employer often offers buyout — never sign within 2 weeks, have union/lawyer review. Success rate of challenge: 30-50%.

Deadline

2 months strict

Union (free)

FNV/CNV

Success rate

30–50%

Step by step

1
Preserve all evidence
Dismissal letter, emails, WhatsApp, performance reviews. Build timeline: when what happened. For “poor performance” reason: request written justification.
2
Call union or lawyer
FNV members: 020-585 6000. Not a member? Join now (still covers current case). No option? Juridisch Loket 0900-8020 free triage.
3
Apply for UWV unemployment
Within 1 week of dismissal date at uwv.nl. First 2-3 months reference requirement (26 weeks work in last 36). Challenge doesn't block UWV.
4
Negotiate or litigate
Employer often offers settlement agreement (buyout): minimum transition compensation + extra. Reject, negotiate via union/lawyer. On refusal: county court within 2 months.
5
Keep finances on track
UWV covers 75% of last wage (max €38,000/yr). Beyond that: social desk + welfare possible. Mortgage stress: call NHG 030-304 0030 for deferral or arrangement.

All contacts

FNVLargest union, legal support members

Right after receiving dismissal letter

📞 020-585 6000 🔗 fnv.nl

CNV VakcentraleChristian union, legal support

Alternative to FNV

📞 030-331 9944 🔗 cnv.nl

Juridisch LoketFree advice if no union

First triage

📞 0900-8020 🔗 juridischloket.nl

UWV WWUnemployment benefit

Within 1 week of dismissal

📞 0900-9294 🔗 uwv.nl

Rechtbank Amsterdam — sector KantonCounty court dismissal procedure

Within 2 months challenge

📞 088-361 1311 🔗 rechtspraak.nl

Frequently asked questions

Am I entitled to transition compensation?

Yes, on employer-initiated dismissal (not summary dismissal for serious misconduct). Per year of service: 1/3 monthly salary. Max €94,000 (2026) or 1 annual salary if higher. Calculate at uwv.nl/transitievergoeding.

What if I'm offered a settlement agreement?

Cooling-off period 14 days after signing (statutory). Never sign immediately. Demand: UWV-safe (employer-initiated), minimum transition compensation + extra months, holiday payout. Union/lawyer reviews beforehand.

Can I challenge summary dismissal?

Yes, often winnable. Employer must show urgent cause AND complete investigation within 24-48h. Often: too fast, weakly substantiated. Quickly to county court (2 months) for annulment.

How expensive is county court litigation?

Court fee €87 (2026, individual). Lawyer not required but advised (without legal insurance: €200-300/hr). With union: costs covered.

Can the employer reach out for reinstatement after dismissal?

Yes, allowed. But accepting is your choice. Tip: have union/lawyer review all communication. Sometimes employer offers better terms with “voluntary return” than after litigation.

What if I report sick just before dismissal date?

Sick during notice period: employer can't simply dismiss (prohibition during illness). But company doctor weighs in. Don't use as manipulation — doctor genuinely assesses.

Sources

🔎 Common search queries

Recognise your own search? Our answer above covers all of these variants.

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