Reorganizations & Dismissal (Netherlands)
Reorganizations and dismissals in the Netherlands are governed by strict employment law rules. Employers must follow formal procedures, apply statutory selection principles, and manage employee relations carefully. Mistakes can lead to delays, financial exposure, litigation, and reputational risk.
Sørensen Lawyers supports employers through reorganizations, individual dismissals, and workforce transitions with clear strategy, legal precision, and practical execution.
Collective Dismissal (WMCO)
Collective redundancies in the Netherlands trigger specific legal obligations under the Wet melding collectief ontslag (WMCO). These processes require careful planning and coordination with trade unions, works councils, and authorities.
We provide end-to-end support for collective dismissals, including:
- Assessing whether WMCO thresholds apply
- Structuring compliant reorganization timelines
- Union consultations and negotiations
- UWV notifications and procedural compliance
- Drafting and negotiating social plans
- Applying workforce selection rules (afspiegelingsbeginsel)
Our goal is to keep reorganizations legally sound, predictable, and manageable.
Redundancy and Restructuring Strategy
When organizations face restructuring, cost reductions, or strategic shifts, legal guidance must be aligned with business realities.
We advise employers on:
- Redundancy strategies and scenario planning
- Legal risk assessment in restructuring programs
- Aligning workforce measures with business objectives
- Managing phased or multi-jurisdictional reorganizations
- Supporting decision-making at board and management level
We help employers move forward decisively while remaining compliant.
ABOUT
Sørensen Lawyers: employment law firm in Rotterdam.
Dutch employment law specialists for contracts, dismissals & HR advice.
Questions?
Termination of Employment under Dutch Law
Dutch dismissal law recognizes a limited number of statutory termination grounds and strictly regulates termination routes and compensation.
We advise and represent employers on:
- UWV-based termination procedures
- Court-based termination proceedings
- Drafting and negotiating settlement agreements
- Transition payments and additional compensation
- Termination of fixed-term and permanent contracts
Our advice ensures that terminations are legally defensible and commercially sound.
Individual Dismissals and Complex Cases
Individual dismissal cases require careful handling, particularly when disputes, illness, or misconduct are involved.
We support employers in cases involving:
- Performance-related dismissals
- Long-term illness and disability-related termination
- Misconduct and integrity issues
- Conflict-driven separations
- Sensitive negotiations with employees or counsel
Our focus is on minimizing disruption, managing risk, and protecting business continuity.
Holistic Restructuring Support
Reorganizations often extend beyond legal procedure alone. Communication, employee relations, and negotiation play a critical role in successful outcomes.
We provide holistic support, including:
- Structuring restructuring programs end-to-end
- Advising on communication strategy and timing
- Supporting negotiations with works councils and unions
- Ensuring compliance throughout execution
- Managing post-restructuring employment issues
We combine legal expertise with strategic insight to support sustainable transitions.
Our Approach
- Strategic and pragmatic – aligned with business realities
- Legally precise – grounded in Dutch employment law
- Risk-focused – preventing delays, disputes, and sanctions
- Internationally experienced – advising multinational employers
Facing a reorganization or dismissal process?
Whether you are planning a restructuring, managing redundancies, or dealing with individual dismissals, Sørensen Lawyers provides clear direction and experienced support.
