What is an urgent cause in employment law in Delft?
An **urgent cause** in employment law enables an employer to dismiss an employee **immediately and without notice period**. This applies only in cases of **serious misconduct** that severely disrupt the employment relationship or directly threaten business operations. In Delft, where many technical and innovative companies are active, such as at TU Delft, this is relevant for situations like fraud, theft, aggression or unacceptable behaviour that can no longer be tolerated.
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Legal basis: urgent cause under Article 7:678 of the Dutch Civil Code
The core provision is **Article 7:678 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW)**. This allows an employer in the Delft region (district of the District Court of The Hague) to **summarily dismiss** an employee if:
1. Serious negligence in the performance of work, such as:
- **Fraud** or **embezzlement** within the company.
- **Physical or verbal violence** against colleagues, clients or managers.
- **Structural unexplained absenteeism** without medical confirmation.
- **Leakage of trade secrets**, crucial in Delft's high-tech sectors.
2. The misconduct is **acutely serious**, making continuation of the employment relationship **untenable**.
> **Tip for Delft:** Consult the **Juridisch Loket Delft** for free initial advice on dismissal cases.
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Practical examples of urgent cause in Delft context
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Theft/fraud:
A lab employee who misappropriates materials from the TU campus justifies immediate dismissal upon proof via CCTV footage.
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Aggression:
Physical confrontation with a team member in a Delft startup office: dismissal possible after one incident.
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Absenteeism:
Repeated absence without valid reason, despite reintegration efforts – but the employer must first address this.
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Breakdown of trust:
Passing on R&D data to competitors in the Rotterdam-Delft region.
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Safety risks:
Ignoring lab protocols in a chemical lab, endangering third parties.
> **Note:** Proportional action is key; a one-time carelessness does not count.
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Rights and obligations in case of summary dismissal
Employer (Delft region)
- **Immediate dismissal** without notice.
- No warning required, unless stipulated in the collective labour agreement.
- **Provide evidence**, e.g. via witnesses or logs.
Employee
- Right to **written reasons**.
- Object at the **District Court of The Hague** (Delft district).
- Seek help from **Juridisch Loket Delft** or employment law attorney for damage claim or reinstatement.
Employer obligations
- **Objective assessment**, no personal grudges.
- Build a complete **file** with evidence.
For Delft situations: first aid via **Juridisch Loket Delft** (address: [fill in]) or proceedings at **District Court of The Hague**.