What Does Reintegration Mean?
Reintegration means returning to work after a period of illness. Both you and your employer have the obligation to support this process. The aim is to get back to work as soon as possible, possibly in an adapted role.
Responsibilities
| Party | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Employer | Offer suitable employment, draw up a reintegration plan, continue paying salary |
| Employee | Actively cooperate, accept suitable work, promote recovery |
| Occupational Physician | Advise on possibilities, provide guidance, analyze bottlenecks |
| UWV | Check whether reintegration efforts meet the requirements |
Steps in the Reintegration Process
- Week 1: Report illness to the employer
- Week 6: Analysis of the situation by the occupational physician
- Week 8: Compile reintegration plan
- Week 42: Report illness to the UWV
- Week 52: Evaluation after the first year
- Week 88: Final assessment and application for WIA benefit
First and Second Track Reintegration
Two Possible Tracks
- First track: Return to your current employer, in your own role or another suitable position
- Second track: Seek work with another employer if return to the current employer is not feasible
The second track usually starts after one year, unless it is established earlier that return to the own employer is impossible.
Consequences of Insufficient Effort
If reintegration does not proceed properly, sanctions may follow:
- Employer: Extended obligation to continue wage payment (up to a maximum of 1 additional year)
- Employee: Wage suspension, dismissal or reduced WIA benefit
What is Suitable Work?
Work is considered suitable if it:
- Matches your physical and mental capacities
- Poses no risk to your health
- Is reasonable in terms of travel time and job level
Am I required to accept other work within the company?
Yes, if the occupational physician determines that you are capable of performing this work. Refusal may lead to a wage suspension.
What if I disagree with the occupational physician?
You can request a second opinion from another occupational physician or submit a dispute decision to the UWV.
Who bears the costs of a reintegration agency?
Usually, the employer pays these costs, as part of the reintegration obligations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Reintegration in Leiden
What happens if I refuse suitable work?
If you refuse suitable work without a good reason, your employer may suspend your wage. The occupational physician determines whether the work is suitable. Refusal may also impact a future WIA benefit. In case of doubt, consult the occupational physician or request a second opinion from the UWV.
When does the UWV get involved in my reintegration?
The UWV becomes involved after 42 weeks of illness. You must then submit a reintegration report. The UWV checks whether you and your employer have done enough. After 88 weeks, a final assessment follows for a possible WIA benefit.
Can I be dismissed during illness?
During the first two years of illness, a dismissal ban applies. Dismissal due to illness is not permitted. However, dismissal may occur due to insufficient cooperation or business economic reasons. After two years, the UWV may permit dismissal if reintegration is not successful.
Legal Support in Leiden
For legal advice on reintegration, you can go to the Juridisch Loket Leiden at Stationsweg 46. In addition, the District Court of The Hague, Leiden location, handles cases regarding labour law and reintegration disputes.