Short-Term Care Leave in Leiden
In Leiden, **short-term care leave** provides employees with a legal entitlement to take up to two consecutive working days—up to twice a year—to provide urgent care for a seriously ill family member or close relative. This regulation ensures a balance between work and care in a vibrant city like Leiden, where unexpected situations—such as an emergency admission to the **LUMC**—can arise suddenly. It offers both flexibility and wage protection.
What Does Short-Term Care Leave Mean for Leiden Residents?
Short-term care leave is designed for sudden care needs involving loved ones and differs from emergency leave by focusing on informal caregiving. In a community like Leiden, where families and students rely on each other, this law helps reconcile work and unpaid care responsibilities. The annual limit is **four working days**, split into two separate periods of two days each. The leave is fully paid, ensuring your income remains secure. As an employee in Leiden, you automatically qualify if you meet the requirements—your employer cannot refuse it.
Legal Framework
The rules for short-term care leave are outlined in the **Dutch Labour and Care Act (WAZO)**, incorporated into Book 7 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW). Key provisions include:
- Article 7:673(1) BW: Grants leave for caring for or assisting a close relative with a disability or illness.
- Article 7:673(2) BW: Limits the duration to a maximum of two periods of two working days per year.
- Article 7:673(4) BW: Ensures full wage compensation during the leave period.
Active since 2006 and later refined, this law applies to all Leiden residents under fixed-term, temporary, or on-call contracts—including temporary agency workers—but **not** to self-employed individuals (ZZP'ers). For broader information on care leave, see our overview on care leave in Leiden.
Eligibility and How to Apply in Leiden
To qualify for short-term care leave in Leiden, the following conditions apply:
- The care must be **urgent and unexpected**, such as an emergency hospital admission (e.g., at the **LUMC**) or a sudden deterioration in health.
- The care must be for a **close relative**, including a partner, child, parent, in-law, or cohabiting partner (as defined in **Article 7:673 BW**).
- Notify your employer **as soon as possible**, ideally before the start of work. While proof is not mandatory, it may be useful in case of disputes. The **Leiden Legal Helpdesk** can provide guidance.
Applying is straightforward: inform your employer by phone or email. Consent is not required, though they may confirm the urgency of the situation. For longer-term care needs, you can transition to **long-term care leave** or explore other options through the **Municipality of Leiden**.
Rights and Obligations
Employees in Leiden are entitled to:
- Full wage continuation**: Your regular salary, including allowances, is paid during the leave.
- Protection against dismissal**: Taking this leave cannot be grounds for termination or disadvantage.
- Flexible scheduling**: You can choose the days within the annual limit, aligning with your work schedule.
Your obligations include:
- Prompt notification to minimize workplace disruptions.
- Using the leave solely for care purposes; misuse may result in penalties.
- Consulting your employer if the leave impacts business operations, though refusal is prohibited.
In case of disputes, the **Leiden District Court** enforces strict penalties, including fines or compensation orders against employers. For free advice, contact the **Leiden Legal Helpdesk**.
Practical Examples from Leiden
**Example 1**: Your father from **Leiden-Noord** suffers a heart attack and is admitted to the **LUMC**. You take **two days of short-term care leave** to support him during hospitalization, coordinate follow-up appointments, and assist with his return home. Your salary continues, and you notify your employer first thing in the morning.
**Example 2**: Your child at a **Leiden primary school** suddenly develops measles and cannot attend school due to overcrowded childcare. You use **one day of leave** to care for them. Later, when your sister undergoes surgery at the **Alrijne Hospital**, you take the second period to help with her recovery.
Such provisions effectively support local caregivers without major work disruptions.
Comparison with Other Leave Types
A comparison of short-term care leave with related leave options:
| Leave Type | Duration | Paid | Purpose | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-Term Care Leave | Max. 4 days/year (2x2) | Yes, full wage | Urgent care for close relatives | Art. 7:673 BW |
| Emergency Leave | No fixed duration, reasonable | Yes, full wage | Unexpected personal circumstances | Art. 7:672 BW |
| Long-Term Care Leave | Max. 6 weeks/year | No (unless via ADV) | Extended care needs | Art. 7:674 BW |
Learn more about **emergency leave** in our article on emergency leave for Leiden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take short-term care leave for a pet?
No, this leave is exclusively for close relatives (family or cohabiting partners) with an illness or disability. For pet-related assistance, contact the **Municipality of Leiden**.