Never sign a Settlement Agreement blindly.
Are you facing dismissal, or is a settlement agreement (VSO) waiting for you? Know exactly where you stand. What seems like a fair arrangement at first glance can have devastating consequences for your unemployment benefits (WW) and severance pay.
- Warning: If your VSO is drafted incorrectly, the UWV will deny your right to unemployment benefits.
Settlement Agreement vs Dismissal
Settlement Agreement
With a settlement agreement, you voluntarily agree to the termination of your employment by mutual consent. You negotiate the exit terms with your employe
- Faster resolution without court.
- Space to negotiate higher severance pay.
- Control over your own narrative.
- High risk: Must be perfectly drafted to secure WW benefits.
Regular Dismissal
In the case of regular dismissal, the termination is initiated unilaterally by the employer via the UWV (economic reasons) or the sub-district court (conflict/dysfunction).
- Long, stressful legal procedure.
- Severance pay strictly limited to statutory transition payment.
- The judge decides your fate, not you.
- WW benefits generally safe (unless summary dismissal).
Good News: Your employer usually pays our bill.
What must be in a VSO?
Employers usually draft the settlement agreement themselves. That means it is drawn up in their favor. A quick signature can cost you months of income. We check if your agreement includes:
The Correct End Date
Respecting the fictitious notice period to prevent a gap in your income.
Maximum Severance Pay
Ensuring you get more than just the statutory minimum.
UWV-Safe Formulation
Ensuring the reason for dismissal does not imply culpability on your part.
Lapsing of Non-Compete
Freeing you to work wherever you want next.
