Emergency Leave in Leiden: duration rules and your rights
Emergency leave provides employees in Leiden and surrounding areas with leave for acute personal emergencies, such as the sudden death of a family member or a serious accident. The Work and Care Act sets strict limits on the duration. This article provides all the information on your rights, local authorities and practical steps.
What is emergency leave?
Emergency leave falls under short-term absence leave and is intended for unexpected, urgent matters. Examples:
- Death of partner, child, parent or sibling.
- Serious illness or accident of housemate.
- Catastrophe at home, such as burglary, water damage or fire.
The Work and Care Act (Waz) forms the basis, supplemented by your collective labour agreement (CAO) or employment contract. In case of disputes, you can go to the District Court of The Hague, Leiden Location (Leiden). For free advice: Juridisch Loket Leiden, Stationsweg 46.
How long does emergency leave last by law?
Statutory entitlement under Waz:
- 2 days in case of death of close relative.
- 1 day in case of serious illness/accident of close relative.
These hours are paid, not vacation days and non-transferable. CAOs in the Leiden region (e.g. municipality or university) sometimes offer extensions up to 3-5 days. Check your contract.
| Type of emergency | Statutory | CAO/possible extra |
|---|---|---|
| Death of family member | 2 days | Up to 5 days (depending on CAO) |
| Illness/accident of close relative | 1 day | Up to 3 days possible |
| Home emergency | As needed (short-term) | Often 1-2 extra days |
Your rights and obligations regarding emergency leave
Employee rights
- Paid leave for statutory days.
- No registration as illness; position retained.
- No doctor's certificate required, unless employer doubts.
Employee obligations
- Report immediately to employer (by phone).
- Provide proof (memorial card, hospital letter).
- Only for genuine urgency; abuse is punishable.
Employer obligations
- Grant leave for valid reason.
- No sanctions or wage withholding, unless CAO states otherwise.
- In case of conflict: mediation via Juridisch Loket Leiden.
Practical examples of emergency leave in Leiden
Example 1: Sudden death of parent
You work at a Leiden company; your mother dies unexpectedly. You report 2 days of emergency leave for cremation and family. Wages paid through; extra days possible via CAO.
Example 2: Child seriously ill
Your child ends up in LUMC for emergency surgery. You take 1 day to support. No sick leave required; employer pays through.
Example 3: Fire in home
House in Leiden hit by fire. You arrange temporary 1-2 days for inspection and accommodation via emergency leave.
Help in Leiden
- District Court of The Hague, Leiden Location: For proceedings.
- Juridisch Loket Leiden, Stationsweg 46: Free employment law advice (Mon-Sat).
- Check CAO via FNV or CNV in the region.