Notice period for white-collar workers: what are your rights and obligations?

The notice period is the period you must work after being dismissed or resigning. During this period, you remain employed and receive normal pay. For technical white-collar workers in Flanders, the same rules apply as for other white-collar workers in the private sector.

Notice period in case of dismissal by the employer

If your employer dismisses you, they must respect a legal notice period. The duration depends on your start date, seniority, and gross annual salary.

• White-collar workers with an annual salary up to €32,254 (2024): 1 week per started year of seniority, minimum 1 week, with a maximum of 13 weeks.
• White-collar workers with an annual salary above €32,254: 1 month per started year, minimum 1 month. From 3 months, the period can increase.

For those who started after 1 January 2014, these rules apply. For older contracts, different periods may apply. Always check your employment contract. Considering a new step? View the vacancies for technical white-collar workers in your region.

Resigning as a white-collar worker: your notice period

If you resign yourself, shorter notice periods apply. The maximum period is 4.5 months, but for most technical white-collar workers, the period is shorter than 3 months. The exact duration again depends on your annual salary:

• Annual salary ≤ €32,254: 1 week per started year (max. 13 weeks).
• Annual salary between €32,254 and €64,508: 3 weeks per started year (max. 13 weeks).
• Annual salary > €64,508: maximum 4.5 months, unless otherwise agreed.

Note: for student jobs and flexi-work, different rules may apply. Do you want to take on a flexi-job as a technical white-collar worker during your notice period in addition to your current job? Discover the possibilities.

When does the notice period start?

The notice period starts on the first Monday after the week in which the dismissal is given, unless a shorter period has been agreed in writing. For a dismissal letter sent by registered mail, the date of delivery applies. So check carefully when your letter arrives.

Exceptions and special cases

There are situations in which you can leave without a notice period, such as for serious cause (serious misconduct) or during the probation period (if still valid). You can also agree on a different arrangement with your employer by mutual consent. Sometimes the employer pays a notice indemnity instead of letting the period run. As a technical white-collar worker, it is smart to already look for new work. View the current offer in Flanders.