What to Do If Your Hours Are Cut in the Netherlands
Have your working hours been cut in the Netherlands? Learn what your rights are, how to respond, and whether you’re entitled to benefits or legal protection.
A guide for EU workers dealing with reduced shifts or income loss
🕒 Fewer hours at work? You’re not alone.
If you work in the Netherlands — especially via an agency or flexible contract — you may suddenly get fewer shifts, be left off the schedule, or find your income drops without explanation.
This article explains:
- What your rights are
- What your employer is allowed to do
- What steps you can take to protect yourself
⚠️ First: Are you in a flexible contract?
Your rights depend on the type of contract you have:
| Contract Type | Can they reduce your hours? |
|---|---|
| Zero-hour contract (nulurencontract) | Yes, easily |
| On-call/flex contract (Phase A) | Yes, unless hours are fixed in writing |
| Fixed hours contract (Phase B or C) | No, not without your agreement |
| Permanent contract | No, only under strict legal conditions |
📉 What’s not allowed?
Even with a flexible contract, there are limits. Your employer cannot:
- Promise you full-time work and then give nothing
- Avoid shifts to force you to quit
- Drop your hours without explanation for long periods
If you’ve worked regular hours for 3+ months, you may legally claim a “fixed pattern”, even without a formal contract.
🔎 This is called a rechtsvermoeden arbeidsomvang — presumed working hours.
🔍 What is “presumed working hours”?
If you’ve worked for the same employer with consistent hours for at least 3 months, you can demand they continue paying you for that average.
Example:
You worked 30 hours/week for 3 months → You can formally request to be paid for 30 hours weekly, even if they stop scheduling you.
To do this:
- Send a written request to the employer
- If they deny it, you can go to the labour court (kantonrechter)
🧾 What to do when your hours are cut
- Ask for a reason (in writing)
Ask your agency or employer why you are not scheduled. Request a written explanation. - Check your contract
- Does it say 0 hours? → Then they are not obligated to schedule you.
- Does it say 32 hours? → Then they must pay or offer hours.
- Calculate your average hours from the past 3 months
If your average was stable, you may request a formal adjustment. - Ask for help
Contact a legal helpdesk, vakbond (union), or support center (like MIC).
đź’° Can I claim benefits if my hours drop?
You may be eligible for:
- Toeslagen (zorgtoeslag, huurtoeslag) – apply or adjust based on new income
- WW (unemployment benefit) – only if your contract is officially ended or reduced below acceptable limits
Important: Just losing hours is not always enough to claim WW unless it’s contractually fixed.
📆 Can they reduce hours to avoid dismissal?
Sometimes yes — but it’s not legal to do so as a hidden form of firing. If this happens:
- Document your hours
- Save all communication
- Ask for legal support
âť“FAQ
I’m in Phase A, can I demand fixed hours?
Only if you’ve worked regular hours for 3+ months.
I’m working for the same agency in different locations — does it count?
Yes, if the employer is the same (same agency), the hours count toward your average.
What if I refuse to work fewer hours?
You cannot be forced to agree to changes in a fixed contract. In flex contracts, refusal may end the cooperation — but you still have rights.
âś… Summary: If Your Hours Are Cut
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Ask for written reason |
| 2 | Check your contract type |
| 3 | Calculate past 3 months of average hours |
| 4 | Send a formal request for fixed working hours (if eligible) |
| 5 | Seek help if rights are being violated |
