Minimum Holiday Allowance Explanation for Residents of Delft

## Minimum Holiday Allowance in Delft As a resident of Delft, you are entitled to minimum holiday allowance, the legally required minimum payment that employers in the Netherlands, including local businesses in Delft, must provide to employees as vacation pay. This percentage of your salary helps make vacations accessible to Delft residents. Standardly, it is 8% of the gross annual salary, with a special minimum for lower incomes based on the statutory minimum wage, relevant for many jobs in the region such as at TU Delft or local shops. ### What Does Minimum Holiday Allowance Mean for Delft Residents? Minimum holiday allowance, also known as minimum vacation pay, is a mandatory salary supplement that employers must provide so employees, including many in Delft's service sector, can afford vacations. It is a core element of Dutch employment law and applies to anyone with an employment contract, whether you work in Delft's historic city center or at one of the innovative companies in the area. This minimum ensures that even with modest incomes, there is money for vacation expenses, which is especially important in a student city like Delft. In contrast to holiday allowance that may be higher under collective bargaining agreements (CAOs), minimum holiday allowance focuses on the legal baseline. It is typically paid in May or June, though the exact date can vary by employer. For broader insights into holiday allowance rules, check our article on [Holiday Allowance - When and How Much?](/vakantiegeld-wanneer-en-hoeveel). In Delft, you can seek personal advice on your rights at the Juridisch Loket Delft. ### Legal Basis The rules for minimum holiday allowance are outlined in the **Minimum Wage and Minimum Holiday Allowance Act (WML)**. Article 12 of the WML states that the allowance must be at least 8% of the salary from the previous year, with a lower limit tied to the minimum wage. This law, introduced in 1969 and periodically updated for inflation and economic changes, ensures current amounts. The minimum wage is adjusted annually; for 2023, it was €1,934.40 gross per month for those aged 21 and over (from 1 July), resulting in a minimum holiday allowance of 8% over 12 months. Employers in Delft who fail to comply risk fines from the Labour Inspectorate (Inspectie SZW). Adjusted minima apply for younger workers or part-time employees. The WML works alongside the **Employment Contracts Act** and CAOs, which in Delft are often sector-specific, such as in education or technology. ### How to Calculate Minimum Holiday Allowance? The calculation is straightforward and based on your earned salary. The minimum is 8% of the gross salary from the previous year, but not less than 8% of a full minimum annual salary. For Delft residents who did not work the full year, a pro rata adjustment applies. Step-by-step guide: 1. Take your gross annual salary from the previous year (including holiday allowance and end-of-year bonus, excluding overtime). 2. Calculate 8% of this total. 3. Compare it with the legal minimum (8% of 12 times the monthly minimum wage). 4. For part-time work in Delft: base it on your hours, for example, in flexible jobs in hospitality. **Example:** As a Delft resident, you earn €2,000 gross per month full-time. Annual salary: €24,000. Minimum holiday allowance: 8% = €1,920. At the minimum wage, the fixed minimum is around €1,547 (for 2023). ### Practical Examples for Delft Below are concrete situations for Delft residents to clarify minimum holiday allowance. **Example 1: Full-time in retail.** Anna works full-time in a Delft shop earning €2,200 gross per month. For 2022: €26,400 gross. For 2023, she receives 8% = €2,112, paid in May by her employer. **Example 2: Part-time on minimum wage.** Karel works 20 hours per week at a local café on a €1,934.40 full-time equivalent, so €967.20 gross monthly. Annual salary: €11,606.40. Minimum: 8% = €928.51, exactly the legal amount. **Example 3: New employee.** Lisa starts in July 2023 at a Delft startup and works until December: €12,000 gross. Pro rata for 2024: 8% = €960, based on half a year. These cases illustrate how the minimum provides a flexible safety net for various Delft residents. ### Rights and Obligations Regarding Minimum Holiday Allowance in Delft As a Delft resident, you have the right to at least the minimum holiday allowance, paid in cash or offset against vacation days. Employers may not offset it against other payments without agreement. If it is not paid, you can file a claim with the District Court of The Hague or contact Juridisch Loket Delft for free assistance. Also report violations to the Labour Inspectorate (Inspectie SZW). Employers in Delft must: - Calculate and pay it annually, by the end of June at the latest. - Maintain records for audits. - Inform employees via payslips. As an employee, check your payslips and act on discrepancies within 5 years (statute of limitations). Upon termination, any remaining holiday allowance is paid pro rata, relevant for changing jobs in Delft. | Situation | Right of Delft Employee | Obligation of Local Employer | |-----------------------|----------------------------------|----------------------------------| | Full-time above minimum | 8% of annual salary | At least €1,547 (2023) | | Part-time | Pro rata 8% | Based on hours | | Termination | Pro rata payment | In final settlement | ### Frequently Asked Questions for Delft Residents

Must minimum holiday allowance always be paid in May?

No, the law does not specify a fixed date, but employers in Delft often pay it in May or June. If in doubt, seek advice from Juridisch Loket Delft.