The short answer
UWV distinguishes agencies affiliated with ABU or NBBU from other situations. Under the ABU/NBBU arrangements described by UWV, the agency cannot end the employment because you become sick and pays wages until the contract ends.
Agency membership changes the route
A fixed agreed end date can still arrive. Other agency contracts containing an agency clause need their own assessment; do not assume every contract follows the same rule.
Track the handover when the contract ends
Report illness promptly according to the applicable procedure, including the workplace and agency where required. Ask the agency to confirm the employment end date and sickness report to UWV if you remain ill. Keep messages, contract versions and payslips. Losing an assignment and losing the legal employment contract are not automatically the same event.
What to do next
- Report sick and retain dated confirmation.
- Identify the agency’s affiliation, CAO and contract end date.
- Ask in writing who pays and who sends any UWV sickness report.
A customer tells you there is no shift tomorrow after you report sick. Before accepting that your employment has ended, ask the agency for the contract basis, CAO and written end date.
Questions people ask
Do ABU and NBBU agency contracts end automatically when I report sick?
UWV explains that affiliated agencies cannot end the employment because of illness under these arrangements. An already agreed contract end date remains relevant.
What about an agency outside ABU or NBBU?
The agency clause and actual termination situation can lead to a different route. Check UWV’s current explanation and seek advice on your documents.
Who should I notify?
Follow the reporting procedure for both workplace and agency where applicable. Keep proof so a missing notification can be resolved.
What happens after the contract’s end date?
If you remain sick, check whether the agency has reported you to UWV and whether sickness benefit applies.
Does losing the client assignment always mean no wages?
No. Assignment termination and employment termination are different questions. Ask the legal employer which contract rule it relies on.
Sources
Last verified: 4 October 2026. Sources are in Dutch or English.