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A foundation that used donor funds for a personal payment led to suspicion from the bank. The judge ruled that the bank was entitled to terminate the account because the foundation did not sufficiently cooperate with the mandatory client investigation and the money flows were unclear. This highlights the importance of transparency, cooperation with the bank, and the proper use of business accounts.
Many employees still find it difficult to report inappropriate behaviour, either because they’re unsure if it’s serious enough or because they don’t know where to turn. Employers also sometimes struggle to draw the line. A clear code of conduct can help by defining in advance what constitutes inappropriate behaviour within the organization, preventing misunderstandings, and allowing for quicker intervention when necessary.
ING was required by the court to clarify what was known within the bank about fraud, such as reports or suspicious transactions. Banks are not only responsible for their own customers, but also for third parties who suffer damage due to fraud by customers. If a bank is aware of abuse, it must intervene. A mere suspicion is not enough; there must be actual knowledge. Victims often struggle to prove this, but the court ruled that they must be given the opportunity to support their case.
The question of whether a temporary worker can work for thirteen years with the same client company without ever being offered a permanent contract is currently before the Dutch Supreme Court. This is the first time that the highest court in the Netherlands has addressed the limits of long-term outsourcing in the context of the European Temporary Agency Work Directive. On March 21, 2025, Advocate General De Bock provided her opinion, stating that the argument of a 'flexible workforce' is not sufficient to justify thirteen years of temporary work. According to her, this constitutes an abuse of the temporary staffing arrangement. She strongly criticized the court that previously ruled that long-term outsourcing was acceptable.
International Comparative Legal Guide on Employment and Labour Law – Netherlands chapter: Understanding these laws is essential for navigating the challenges of the modern workplace, ensuring compliance, and fostering a harmonious work environment.