Working in the Netherlands - Working Time

By law, people should not work for more than nine hours a day and 45 hours a week. 

In total, people may not work more than 520 hours a year in the Netherlands. This means the average working week is between 36 and 40 hours. 

The working week is usually five days, with Sunday the traditional day of rest. In a number of business sectors, it is becoming increasingly common for men and women at all job levels to choose a four-day working week, for example four 9-hour days.

Working Hours Act 

The Working Hours Act (ATW) contains rules governing hours of work and rest for both the private sector and the (semi-)state sector. The law applies to anyone performing work under the authority of another person. In addition to the Working Hours Act, there is also the Working Hours Decree. This contains a number of possibilities for general exceptions in special circumstances. There are also possible exceptions for a number of special sectors. There is a separate decree for the transport industry.

Although the Working Hours Act leaves much up to the social partners, this does not mean that anything goes. The Working Hours Act sets various standards for maximum working hours, minimum rest periods, night-time working, breaks, overtime and call-out services.

Brochures containing information on work and rest times for the road transport, maritime shipping and inland waterways sectors can be obtained from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment. 

These brochures can be ordered from: 

• Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment
  P.O. Box 51
  Info line: 0800 8051 
  Website

Source: European Union
© European Communities, 1995-2006
Reproduction is authorised.