Employment Law
Be it a company restructuring, dismissal or other employment dispute, neither you, nor your employees will enjoy being at the centre of such a matter. Sometimes, however, such situations cannot be avoided and when that happens, you may rest assured that we’ll be on hand to provide a sound and discrete solution to whatever the problem might be.
We can remain on hand, available for advice should you require such, but can also negotiate or litigate on your behalf. We’re always striving to understand employment law in its every detail and master every aspect of it. We know the Balanced Labour Market Act like the back of our hands. And we can add the right creativity and experience to that to offer you the best service around. We also have a deep understanding of our clients, as we’ll often enjoy long-standing relationships with them.
We regularly advise our clients on issues such as employment contracts and temporary or flexible employment, employing independent professionals, Collective Labour Agreements and conditions of employment, but you may also contact us with any issues facing you regarding employment law in general, company restructuring and dismissals, the Work and Security Act and employment participation.
Chambers about the team:
Höcker Advocaten assists clients with executive terminations as well as representing clients in disputes over issues such as flexible working arrangements and human rights relating to labour law. Team members also regularly advise on secondments, collective bargaining agreements and the employment aspects of M&A transactions.
Clients say:
“Höcker Advocaten is a very knowledgeable and business-oriented team that offers clear and straightforward advice.”
“Höcker Advocaten make complicated matters easy with their pragmatic approach.”
“The team always give good advice and are available.”
“Their lawyers are fast, intelligent and knowledgeable.”
Legal 500 about the team
Höcker Advocaten is experienced in handling employment law issues such as restructurings, dismissals, disputes and sensitive investigations. Practice head Jasper van Hulst leads the Amsterdam team and focuses on aiding clients with mediating and settling employment cases outside of court. Suzanne van Ketel centres her practice on dismissal cases, reorganisations, mergers and employment litigation.
Clients say:
“What sets this practice apart is the combination of a proactive, client-focused approach with strong problem-solving skills. The team possesses a broad understanding of complex legal issues and knows how to translate these into practical, workable solutions.”
“I really enjoy working with the firm; fast and super pragmatic. They really understand how to put legal rulings into business sense.”
“The team is small and dedicated. Very supportive attitude.”
“Höcker Advocaten is unique due to its deep specialisation in HR and contract law, particularly with regards to management agreements. Clients seeking advice on employment contracts and specific labour law matters will find this team highly responsive and knowledgeable. One of their key strengths is their ability to provide personalized service.”
“Höcker is not just a law firm but a reliable business partner. They keep our company’s values and goals up front. We feel really seen as a specific entity with specific needs. Their knowledge and capabilities on employment law are remarkable. I would definitely work with them again.”
“The individuals at Höcker Advocaten, particularly Jasper van Hulst, stand out for their exceptional expertise and proactive approach.” ’‘The employment team is knowledgeable and always quick to respond.”
’‘Their unique qualities are personal attention and genuine commitment, speed and incisiveness.’‘
“They perform the work as efficiently as possible, and are focused on the intended goal and outcome. Good communication with other legal advisors who were needed in our case.”
Our specialists
Dismissals and Restructuring
Whether your matter concerns an individual or a collective dismissal, the dismissal of a company director, a high-earning executive, or a regular employee, we would love to help you out with it. We will be there for you, whether you need to initiate proceedings, or are looking to avoid going to court and would prefer mediation or concluding a settlement agreement instead. We would love to assist you in considering the best option to pursue. We can also direct matters on your behalf, even conduct negotiations on your behalf with the trade unions and/or your company's Works Council, draft a Social Plan and initiate and conclude the subsequent dismissal procedures if required.
Balanced Labour Market Act
Where there is cooperation, sometimes compromises have to be made. This certainly applies to the cooperation between works councils and employers. We regularly advise employers (entrepreneurs), directors and works councils to find their way in the collaboration. The latest changes to Dutch employment law were brought in with the Balanced Labour Market Act in 2020.
Employee Participation
Works Councils not only have the ability to play an important role during a company restructuring or takeover, but also when it comes to (making changes to) staffing policy issues, e.g. holiday or other leave arrangements, sick pay, bonuses, etc. We have the expertise to make the Works Council Act work for you, getting you the best result possible, while remaining fully aware of the sensitivities that come with the relationship between a company's directors and its Works Council.