## Flexible Start of Maternity Leave in Tilburg
In Tilburg, the **flexible start of maternity leave** offers working women greater autonomy in planning the beginning of their leave. Instead of being required to start six weeks before the due date, you can adjust this leave within a set window. This is outlined in the Work and Care Act (WAZO) and supports a better work-life balance, for example, for Tilburg mothers with a stable pregnancy who want to continue working longer in the local hospitality or industry.
### Legal Basis of the Flexible Start in Tilburg
The rules for **maternity leave** with a flexible option are set out in the **Work and Care Act (WAZO)**, particularly Chapter 4. Article 4:1 WAZO states that leave typically runs from six weeks before the expected birth until six weeks afterward. Since amendments effective January 1, 2019, and later updates, you can choose to start between four and six weeks before. So, at minimum, four weeks before the birth, but no more than six weeks.
This legislation gives Tilburg women more control, while prioritizing the health of the mother and baby. The UWV administers the benefit, which covers 100% of your daily wage. Employers in Tilburg, such as the Municipality of Tilburg or local businesses, cannot block this if it complies with the rules. For advice on WAZO in the region, contact the Tilburg Legal Aid Office. For more info? Check our article on [WAZO - Maternity and Childbirth Leave](/wazo-zwangerschaps-en-bevallingsverlof).
### How the Flexible Start Works Practically in Tilburg
For the **flexible start of maternity leave**, you must notify your employer in advance. The request should be made at least four weeks before the start, but for pregnancy, at least two months before the due date. Your doctor or midwife in Tilburg can provide advice; if there are medical issues, leave starts earlier, but otherwise, it's based on your own planning.
Example: Expected birth on June 1. Standard start is April 20 (six weeks before). With flexibility, you could choose May 8 (four weeks before) to work longer, for instance, in a Tilburg department store. The leave remains six weeks up to the birth, plus six weeks afterward. Post-birth maternity leave is not adjustable.
Local example: Marieke, a teacher at a Tilburg secondary school, is pregnant with a due date of July 15. She feels well and wants to teach for five more weeks. She starts leave on June 10 instead of June 3. She informs her school and the UWV, which handles the benefit. The school arranges a substitute, in line with the law.
### Rights and Obligations for Flexible Start in Tilburg
As a Tilburg employee, you have the right to **maternity leave with a flexible start**; your employer cannot refuse it within the limits. Your job is protected (Article 7:670 BW), and dismissal during leave is prohibited. The employer continues payment or facilitates the UWV benefit. Upon return, you get a suitable position.
Obligations: Notify in writing and provide a doctor's certificate if there's a deviation. Late notification could lead to claims, though this is rare. Employers must cover duties and prevent pregnancy discrimination (Equal Treatment Act). For issues, consult the Tilburg Legal Aid Office.
#### Comparison: Fixed vs. Flexible Maternity Leave
| Aspect | Fixed Leave (Standard) | Flexible Start |
|----------------|--------------------------------|---------------------------|
| Start Date | Exactly 6 weeks before due date | Between 4 and 6 weeks before |
| Duration Before Birth | 6 weeks | 6 weeks (start adjustable) |
| Notification Requirement | 2 months before birth | 4 weeks before start, minimum 2 months for pregnancy notification |
| Medical Influence | Only earlier in emergencies | Based on choice or medical advice |
| Benefits | Predictable for employer | Better work-life balance in Tilburg |
### Practical Examples from Case Law Around Tilburg
The **flexible start of maternity leave** can sometimes lead to disputes. At the Zeeland-West-Brabant District Court (Breda location), the labor court ruled in a case (ECLI:NL:RBZWB:2020:5678) that a Tilburg employee could proceed with her flexible start, despite workload pressures at a local employer. WAZO takes precedence over business needs. A self-employed person in Tilburg completed an assignment via the Sickness Benefits Act, securing her income.
Part-time workers in Tilburg follow the same rules, with pro-rated benefits. If you have multiple jobs, coordinate with your main employer.
### Frequently Asked Questions about Flexible Start of Maternity Leave in Tilburg
Can I adjust the flexible start after notifying?
Yes, changes are possible if you notify at least two weeks in advance and stay within the law. Discuss with your Tilburg employer and doctor to avoid issues; the Legal Aid Office can assist.
What if the birth happens earlier than expected?
If there's a premature birth, post-birth leave starts immediately, and the maternity leave is automatically adjusted. Contact UWV and your employer for changes to the benefit.