The answer to this pressing question was given by our employment law specialist, Jan Dop LL.M., in the Algemeen Dagblad of 12 December 2018. In the interview, he points out that problems during and after office parties are often caused by excessive drinking. He also addresses the question whether alcohol abuse can be a reason for dismissal and what can be done when an employee calls in sick but is just hung over.
You can find more information on our website about what you, as an employer, can do against alcohol abuse at work and how you assure that a company holiday party where alcohol is served remains feast for everyone. You can also contact Jan Dop, LL.M via e-mail (jan.dop@russell.nl) or the contact form below:
Celebrating the end of the year with a Christmas party for your employees is a fine tradition. Unfortunately, this can also lead to unpleasant legal problems. How can you prevent that?
What shall we do with the drunken employee? Sack him? That isn’t always allowed. Alcohol abuse may be the result of an addiction and in that case the prohibition on termination during illness may apply. What do you have to take into account when dismissing an employee due to alcohol consumption?
Statutory directors enjoy less protection against dismissal, but there must still be reasonable grounds for the dismissal. Otherwise, the employer must pay fair compensation. This can be substantial, as a recent ruling has shown. Why was the employer required to pay this compensation?
The European AI Act requires employers to ensure that employees have sufficient knowledge of AI systems. This can be achieved through training, but also through an AI policy tailored to the company. What should you include in such a policy? What role does the works council play in the implementation of the AI policy?
Reinier W.L. Russell, LL.M. has published an article on The benefits of a works council for entrepreneurs in the “Off the record” section of Primerus Weekly on March 3, 2026. Below you will find the text of this article.
Employees who are underperforming may be dismissed. However, they must first be given the opportunity to improve their performance through a performance improvement plan (PIP). What requirements must such a plan meet?
