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Thomas Catersels

Thomas Catersels

Associate | Attorney at law

Employment & Employee Participation

Thomas mainly advises employers and works councils of varying sizes in diverse sectors, such as healthcare institutions, IT companies, and public sector organisations. He also regularly advises individual employees and directors. Thomas provides advice in a wide range of areas, ranging from reorganisations and dismissal to consultation and consent processes.

‘I am an approachable, keen and dedicated lawyer with a positive attitude. I am energised by finding the best solution in every situation, based on the client’s best interests.’

Education and career

Thomas successfully completed his Bachelor’s degree in Law at Leiden University, graduating with a major in Law, Entrepreneurship & Management. During his university studies, he took employment law electives that piqued his interest in this area. In 2023 he graduated with his Master’s in Employment Law from Leiden University. While at university, Thomas was an active member of the Leiden employment law student association Sine Labore Nihil, performing committee work such as organising the annual employment law conference. His successful internship with the Employment, Employment Participation & Mediation team led to Thomas joining De Clercq after obtaining his Master’s degree. In 2024, he will commence studies at the Professional Law School (Beroepsopleiding Advocaten).

Thomas’s daily practice

‘My daily practice is a combination of employment law and employment participation law. This includes matters concerning dismissal, reorganisation and restructuring, competition clauses, collective labour agreements and leave. I also regularly draft and modify model employment contracts and complaints procedures. In addition to the above, I guide works councils and directors on employment participation processes with respect to the right of consultation and consent, and I provide advice and guidance on the establishment of works councils. The breadth of my practice means that every day is different, and highly enjoyable.’

Stay up to date

The latest developments

Employment, Employee Participation & Mediation

75 years of WOR Congress

7 April 2025

In May 2025, we celebrate a special milestone: it will be 75 years since the Works Councils Act (WOR) was introduced. On 14 May 2025, a festive congress will be held; a day filled with celebratory activities, leading speakers, and interactive workshops on current topics.

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Employment, Employee Participation & Mediation

Modern Employment Conditions: (3) Green Employment Conditions

27 March 2025

The work environment has changed significantly in recent years. Technological advancements, a new generation of employees, and the desire for a better work-life balance have forced employers to rethink their policies and employment conditions. It is important to respond to these changes, as modern employment conditions are increasingly a determining factor for talent retention, attracting new employees, productivity, and overall employee engagement. What modern employment conditions can you think of? You will read more about this in this blog series.

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Employment, Employee Participation & Mediation

Facilities for the employee participation (works council): making membership more attractive

21 March 2025

Many works council struggle with vacancies. Often, too few employees run for election, or works council members leave their positions prematurely for various reasons. Good facilities can help to enthuse employees about works council membership and keep them engaged. In this blog, we list some important facilities for inspiration.

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