In the new regulation, a distinction is to be made when the dismissed worker must serve a notice period or if they receive a contract termination allowance.

In case of termination allowances:

The employer must send a valid outplacement offer to the dismissed worker within 15 days of the notification of dismissal.

The dismissed worker is entitled to:

• A termination allowance of at least 26 weeks.
• An outplacement assistance of 60 hours over 1 year. Four weeks of their annual remuneration from the preceding calendar year (minimum €1,800 and maximum €5,500) are deducted from their termination allowances to finance their professional reintegration program.

In case of serving a notice period

The employer must send a valid outplacement offer to the dismissed worker within 4 weeks following the end of the contract. The worker has 4 weeks to accept or refuse it.

The dismissed worker is entitled to an outplacement assistance of 60 hours over 1 year. The time spent on an outplacement is deducted from the solicitation leave.

Outplacement is extended to the public sector only under the general regime.

• Being at least 45 years old at the time of dismissal (joint committees may lower the age at which the outplacement procedure becomes mandatory).
• Not being dismissed for serious cause.
• Having at least one year of uninterrupted seniority with the employer at the time of dismissal
• Being employed at least part-time.
• Not being of retirement pension age.