3 December 2025
Don’t count the number of warnings
That five official warnings do not automatically justify a lawful dismissal was once again confirmed in a recent ruling by the Gelderland Subdistrict Court.
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An employment contract will often include a non-competition clause.
This clause means that you will not be able to work for a company that competes with your employer’s company for a certain length of time after the employment contract has ended. The clause may include specific time frames and/or geographical limits.
Once you have signed an employment contract, the non-competition clause is generally valid – but not always. For various reasons this clause can be at least partly invalid.
If you have a temporary employment contract, then non-competition and client relations clauses are not permitted – unless the employer can explicitly explain, in writing and for each position, the need for such a clause due to urgent business or service interests. If such an explanation is lacking, the clause is null and void.
No matter your situation, do not violate your non-competition or client relations clauses. Doing so will incur heavy penalties. Instead, try to negotiate these clauses upfront, or seek legal advice on your options.
GMW lawyers advises both employers and employees on non-competition clauses.
If you are unsure about whether your existing non-competition clause is valid, or if it is preventing you from accessing reasonable work opportunities, please contact us directly using the enquiry form below or +31 (0)70 3615048. Our employment lawyers will be happy to support and advise you.
GMW lawyers will be happy to help you with all your employment law issues. Our lawyers assist both employers and employees.
Do you have a question? Please feel free to contact us.
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3 December 2025
Don’t count the number of warnings
That five official warnings do not automatically justify a lawful dismissal was once again confirmed in a recent ruling by the Gelderland Subdistrict Court.
Read more
30 October 2025
Heineken employee facing termination? We offer legal advice
Heineken has announced a large-scale reorganisation, as a result of which many positions will become redundant. Those employees will be offered a settlement agreement to which a so-called social plan will apply. If this applies to you, please continue reading…
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10 September 2025
Does a Validsign signature equal consent?
Employment contracts can end in various ways. For example, a fixed-term employment contract often referred to as a “temporary contract” expires on the agreed date.
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27 August 2025
The scope of the redeployment obligation
Does your employer say that you have been dismissed due to organizational changes? Does this mean your position is no longer available?
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25 August 2025
Can I go on vacation while sick?
We regularly receive the question of whether sick employees can go on vacation. In this blog, we answer this question and explain the applicable rules.
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13 August 2025
Summary dismissal: steps to take
In many cases, a summary dismissal does not meet the strict legal standard of the existence of an urgent reason. This was also the case in a recent case brought before the court.
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11 August 2025
Termination after concealing a second job
In today’s workplace, it's not uncommon for employees to juggle multiple jobs. However, what happens when an employee hides a second job from their employer?
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23 July 2025
Medical decision making in the employment relationship from the employer’s perspective
Employers often perceive sickness notifications and absenteeism as a significant burden. This is understandable. Employees on sick leave would also prefer to be at work rather than at home unable to work.
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16 July 2025
Business closure: what to do with employees?
The company is shutting down. This may be due to poor financial performance or because the sole owner is seriously ill or has passed away. However, ceasing operations and closing the doors does not mean that employment contracts with staff automatically end. So how does this work?
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