New Parental Leave in Tilburg
For parents in Tilburg, the new parental leave is a welcome scheme: up to 9 weeks of paid leave within the first year after your child's birth. Since 1 August 2022, the UWV pays 70% of your daily wage as a supplement to the existing unpaid leave. This measure supports local families in caring for a newborn and promotes work-life balance.
What does new parental leave mean for Tilburg?
The paid parental leave is for intensive care in the first 12 months after birth or adoption. Unlike flexible unpaid parental leave up to age 8, it targets this vital early period. Both parents in Tilburg are entitled to 9 consecutive weeks, often right after maternity or birth leave.
This scheme supplements total parental leave and encourages shared parenting. Employers in the area, including Tilburg businesses, cannot refuse it if you meet the conditions.
Legal Basis
The Paid Parental Leave Act (Bulletin of Acts and Decrees 2022, 196) provides the foundation and amends the Labour and Caregiving Act in the Health Insurance Act (LBIO Act). Key provisions:
- Article 3:1 LBIO Act: Entitlement to 9 weeks of leave.
- Article 1:1 sub g LBIO Act: Definition of parental leave including paid option.
- Article 7:634a Dutch Civil Code: Taking leave and possible employer refusal.
- Article 76 UWV Act: UWV benefit of 70% daily wage (max. €274.44 in 2024).
This complies with EU Directive 2019/1158 on work-life balance, relevant for working residents of Tilburg.
Conditions in Tilburg
Parents in Tilburg can apply for new parental leave if:
- You are a biological or adoptive parent.
- The leave falls within 1 year of birth/adoption.
- You have been employed for at least 1 month.
- Maximum 9 weeks, consecutive or in half-days.
- Notification at least 4 weeks in advance (from 4th week of pregnancy for birth).
Self-employed in Tilburg fall back on unpaid leave.
Application Process for Tilburg Employees
Two steps:
- Notify Employer: Letter with dates, duration and hours; template on rijksoverheid.nl.
- Apply for UWV Benefit: Within 2 months of start via uwv.nl; provide payslip, ID and proof of relationship to child.
Refusal only for compelling business reasons, such as peaks in the textile sector. In disputes: District Court Zeeland-West-Brabant (Breda location).
Comparison of Leave Types
| Leave Type | Duration | Payment | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth Leave (father/partner) | 1 week + 5 weeks | 100% salary | 6 weeks after birth |
| New Parental Leave | 9 weeks | 70% daily wage (UWV) | 1 year after birth |
| Traditional Parental Leave | 26 weeks per parent | Unpaid | Up to age 8 |
Rights and Obligations
Rights:
- Protection against dismissal (art. 7:670a Dutch Civil Code).
- Return to the same position.
- UWV benefit independent of employer.
Obligations:
- Notify on time.
- No additional work during leave.
- Repay if abused.
Practical Examples from Tilburg
Example 1: Tilburg mother Lisa takes 6 weeks of new leave after maternity leave. Father Erik follows with 3 weeks after his birth leave; both via UWV.
Example 2: For twins in the municipality of Tilburg: double entitlement, but small employers may require staggering.
Example 3: Employee from the Spoorzone notifies by email; employer refuses too late. Breda District Court rules in employee's favor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I combine it with part-time work in Tilburg?
Yes, in half-days (min. 1 day/week), employer adjusts hours; no full-time work.
Employer refusal?
Only for compelling reasons. Contact UWV or District Court Zeeland-West-Brabant (Breda); keep emails.
Part-time worker in Tilburg?
Yes, pro rata: for 24 hours/week, full 9 weeks.
Adoptive parents?
Yes, within 1 year of adoption.
Tips for Tilburg Parents
Make the most of new parental leave:
- Plan with partner and employer, e.g., via Municipality of Tilburg's employer service.
- Use rijksoverheid.nl template.
- Check daily wage with UWV.
- For issues: Legal Aid Office Tilburg for free advice.