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Service Letter
I need a service letter confirming the employment details of an employee who worked in our company for 3 years, including their job title, responsibilities, and the reason for leaving. The letter should be addressed to potential future employers and include contact information for verification purposes.
What is a Service Letter?
A Service Letter provides proof of your employment history when you leave a job in Belgium. Your employer must give you this document on your last day, showing key details like your role, start and end dates, and the type of contract you had.
Under Belgian labor law, employers must issue these letters without any negative comments or markings that could hurt your future job prospects. The letter serves as an official record for social security, unemployment benefits, and future employers - making it an essential document for both workers and companies in the Belgian job market.
When should you use a Service Letter?
Get your Service Letter ready as soon as you plan to leave your job in Belgium. You'll need this document to apply for unemployment benefits, prove your work history to new employers, and handle administrative matters with social security offices. Most Belgian workers request their Service Letter during their notice period to ensure a smooth transition.
This letter becomes especially important when switching careers, relocating within the EU, or starting your own business. Having it prepared before these transitions helps avoid delays with benefits and ensures you can quickly verify your professional background when needed. Belgian law requires employers to provide it, so don't hesitate to ask for yours.
What are the different types of Service Letter?
- Application Letter For Employment: Formal companion to the Service Letter when applying for new positions, highlighting your proven work experience
- Referral Letter: Enhanced version of a Service Letter that includes performance details and specific recommendations from your previous employer
- Authorization Letter To Collect Documents: Allows a designated person to collect your Service Letter if you cannot retrieve it personally
- Letter Of Authorization: Required when authorizing someone to handle Service Letter-related administrative procedures on your behalf
Who should typically use a Service Letter?
- Employers: Must issue Service Letters accurately and promptly when employment ends, ensuring compliance with Belgian labor laws
- HR Departments: Handle the preparation and record-keeping of Service Letters, maintaining proper documentation
- Employees: Request and receive these letters when leaving a job, using them for future employment and social security benefits
- Social Security Offices: Use Service Letters to verify employment history and process unemployment benefits
- Labor Inspectors: Monitor compliance with Service Letter requirements as part of workplace regulations
- Future Employers: Review Service Letters to confirm candidates' work history and employment details
How do you write a Service Letter?
- Employee Details: Gather full name, national registration number, and complete employment dates
- Position Information: List exact job titles, departments, and any significant role changes during employment
- Contract Type: Note if full-time, part-time, or temporary, including any contractual changes
- Company Information: Include official company name, address, and registration details
- Compliance Check: Our platform ensures your Service Letter meets all Belgian legal requirements automatically
- Format Review: Verify the letter uses neutral, factual language without subjective comments
- Signatures: Prepare space for both employer and employee signatures with date fields
What should be included in a Service Letter?
- Company Information: Full legal name, address, and business registration number of the employer
- Employee Details: Complete name, national number, and residential address
- Employment Period: Precise start and end dates of the employment relationship
- Job Description: Official position titles and any significant role changes during employment
- Contract Type: Nature of employment agreement (permanent, fixed-term, full-time, part-time)
- Neutral Statement: Factual description without performance evaluations or personal remarks
- Authentication: Date, company stamp, and authorized signatory details
- Legal Compliance: Our platform automatically includes all required elements under Belgian labor law
What's the difference between a Service Letter and an Employment Reference Letter?
A Service Letter differs significantly from an Employment Reference Letter in both purpose and content. While both relate to employment documentation, they serve distinct functions in Belgian workplace law.
- Legal Requirements: Service Letters are mandatory documents employers must provide upon employment termination, while reference letters are voluntary and discretionary
- Content Scope: Service Letters contain only objective facts about employment dates and positions, avoiding any performance evaluation. Reference letters include subjective assessments, recommendations, and detailed performance feedback
- Primary Use: Service Letters primarily serve administrative purposes for social security and unemployment benefits, while reference letters support job applications and career advancement
- Legal Protection: Service Letters must remain neutral by law to protect employee interests, whereas reference letters can include positive or negative assessments within legal boundaries
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