Apart from the statutory vacation leave, employees are entitled to specific types of leave such as pregnancy- and maternity leave, partner- and paternity leave, parental leave, emergency leave and short- and long term care leave.
Extra-ordinary leave is meant for pregnant employees, with pregnancy leave taking place prior to childbirth and maternity leave after the birth of the child. This combined leave lasts at least 16 and no more than 18 weeks. During the leave the employee continues to get the salary paid.
If the partner of an employee gives birth, the employee has the right to one week of leave after the birth. This leave must be taken during the first four weeks after the birth even though the child is still in a hospital. During this period, the employee will continue to receive 100% of the salary.
The employee can extend the partner leave by five weeks additional partner leave during the first six months after the birth. During the additional leave period the partner does not get a salary but a benefit from the governmental UWV.
Employees are entitled to 9 weeks partially paid parental leave in the first year of the child’s life. The benefit from the UWV is 70% of the maximum day wage.
Up to the age of eight of the child, employees are entitled to another 17 weeks of parental leave; this is unpaid unless the employer compensates a part of the salary loss or a collective employment agreement has included special provisions for this.
Apart from leave circling around children, an employee is entitled to emergency leave, for example if a water pipe at home is leaking. This type of paid leave is meant for a few hours. If a close relative of an employee has become ill, the employee can take short-term care leave up to 10 days with a loss of 30% of the salary. Long-term, unpaid care leave is to care for someone close to the employee who is in need of care or who is ill for a longer period of time.
It is advised to discuss with the employer in good harmony how to solve each specific situation as soon as something happens. Be well prepared to avoid surprises and seek timely professional guidance if necessary!
Authors: Leo Oudshoorn and Kavita Sewkaransing
Wecountancy Expat Services