Contract Not Extended During Sick Leave: What You Need to Know
It can be a stressful experience for an employee to find out that their employment contract will not be extended while they are on sick leave. If you find yourself in this situation, it`s essential to understand your rights and what steps you can take to protect yourself.
Firstly, it`s important to check your employment contract to see if there are any clauses related to sick leave and contract renewals. In some cases, there may be a clause stating that a contract will not be extended if the employee is on a long-term sick leave. If this clause is present in your contract, your employer has the legal right to not extend your contract.
However, if there is no such clause, your employer still must justify why your contract will not be extended, even if you are on sick leave. It`s illegal for an employer to discriminate against an employee on the basis of their illness or injury.
In the case of discrimination, employees have the right to take legal action. It`s important to document any incidents of discrimination, including emails or conversations with your employer or their representatives. You may also want to seek legal advice to better understand your rights and options.
If you are not being discriminated against and your employer has decided not to extend your contract while you are on sick leave, you may be eligible for sick pay or benefits. In the Netherlands, employees are entitled to a maximum of two years of sick pay. During this time, your employer must pay at least 70% of your salary. If you have been on sick leave for more than two years, you may qualify for a disability pension.
In conclusion, if you find out that your contract will not be extended while you are on sick leave, it`s important to understand your rights and options. Check if your contract has any clauses related to sick leave and contract renewals, document any incidents of discrimination, and seek legal advice if necessary. If you are eligible for sick pay or benefits, make sure you understand the process to claim them. Remember to take care of yourself during this stressful time and seek support if needed.