Prohibited Dismissal Reasons The Hague: When May an Employer NOT Dismiss You?
In The Hague and surrounding areas, strict Dutch labour laws prohibit employers from dismissing employees for discriminatory or unlawful reasons. Discover the prohibited dismissal grounds, your local rights and where to go in The Hague for legal assistance in case of wrongful dismissal.
Legal Basis: Article 7:670 BW in The Hague
Article 7:670 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW) forms the core of dismissal protection for employees in The Hague. This article explicitly excludes dismissal based on personal characteristics or protected circumstances. Many dismissal cases are handled at the District Court The Hague, Prins Clauslaan 60.
Important supplementary laws:
- General Equal Treatment Act (AWGB) - Against discrimination
- Equal Treatment Disability/Chronic Illness Act (Wgbh/cz)
- Equal Treatment on Grounds of Age Act (WGBL)
- Dutch Civil Code Book 7 - Labour Law The Hague
Complete Overview of Prohibited Dismissal Reasons The Hague
Below is an up-to-date overview of dismissal reasons that are prohibited in The Hague and throughout the Netherlands:
| Prohibited Dismissal Reason | Legal Basis | The Hague Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy/childbirth | Article 7:670(1) BW | Absolute prohibition on termination during pregnancy period + 6 weeks post-partum |
| Trade union membership | Article 7:670(2)(a) BW | Protection for trade union activities, many cases at District Court The Hague |
| Race/ethnicity | Article 7:646 BW / AWGB | Discrimination on grounds of race, origin or nationality unacceptable |
| Religion/belief | Article 7:646 BW / AWGB | Religious conviction may not be a dismissal reason |
| Gender | Article 7:646 BW / AWGB | Equal treatment of men/women mandatory |
| Sexual orientation | Article 7:646 BW / AWGB | LGBTQ+ discrimination punishable |
| Civil status | Article 7:646 BW / AWGB | Marriage/relationship not a dismissal ground |
| Political opinion | Article 7:646 BW / AWGB | Political preference protected |
| Age | WGBL / 7:646 BW | Age discrimination prohibited (except objectively justified) |
| Disability/chronic illness | Wgbh/cz / 7:646 BW | Medical condition not a dismissal reason |
| Part-time/full-time | Article 7:648 BW | Equal rights for part-time/full-time workers |
| Temporary/permanent contracts | Article 7:649 BW | No distinction based on contract types |
| Illness (first 2 years) | Article 7:670(1) BW | 104 weeks prohibition on termination in case of incapacity for work |
| Military service | Article 7:670(5) BW | Protection for conscription |
| Works Council (OR) | Article 7:670(2) BW | Works Council members special dismissal protection |
| Personnel Representation (PVT) | Article 7:670(2) BW | PVT members protected |
| Leave periods | Article 7:670(3) BW | Prohibition on termination during maternity/parental leave |
| Whistleblowing | House for Whistleblowers Act | Protection for reporters of misconduct |
Legal Assistance in The Hague for Unlawful Dismissal
Were you unlawfully dismissed in The Hague? Contact immediately:
- District Court The Hague
Prins Clauslaan 60, 2595 BK The Hague
Tel: 070-361 7071 - Legal Aid Office The Hague
Lutherse Burgwal 10, 2512 HR The Hague
Tel: 0900-8020 (free legal advice)
Make appointment
What to Do If You Suspect Unlawful Dismissal?
- File written objection within 2 months
- Engage free advice from Legal Aid Office The Hague
- Challenge dismissal at District Court The Hague
- Consult trade union or labour law attorney
Action required! The Hague dismissal law provides strong protection for prohibited dismissal reasons.