Reintegration should thus be taken seriously by the returnee and by the enterprise. The employee should be advised to keep in touch with their former workplace during their absence, by whatever means are the most suitable – e-mail or phone contacts, receipt of (and contribution to) house journals, attendance at meetings and so on. The company should identify the Human Resource manager who is responsible for the employee’s return, and begin discussions in good time.

The contract of employment may either be for a fixed term or for an indefinite period. A fixed term contract expires when (without prior notice) the deadline has been reached. Otherwise a contract ends when one of the parties terminates it or the prescribed period of notice expires.

For an employee hired on the spot, it is advisable to check with their union representative what the legislation of the Member State in question says about the possible reasons for ending an employment relationship and about the terms for dismissal. See also http://europa.eu.int./scadplus/citizens and any information in the country sections of this handbook.

The employment contract of a seconded worker is generally a fixed term contract. The circumstances in which the fixed term contract can be ended prematurely by either party should be clearly stated, in the contract or in an accompanying document. It should be made clear if there is a liability to pay compensation for any loss caused by premature termination. It should be set down in the contract that, once the assignment ends, the seconded worker has the right to return home to a job of at least the same level in the service of her or his employer. The possibility of prolonging the contract, if the situation so demands, should be included in the contract.

Checklist of things to remember when returning home

Before leaving the country where you have been living

• Inform the population information system if there is one
• Check whether you need any E-forms from the social security service
• If you will be unemployed on return home, you should register with the employment service before leaving the country where you were last employed. This institution will provide you with form E 303 which you must present to the employment service in your home country
• Check your accumulated pensions rights and ask for a certificate
• Ask for a letter of recommendation from your employer
• Ask your employer for a certificate stating the duration of your employment abroad, your salary and tax paid
• Make sure your car is correctly insured and registered
• Ask your doctor or health service for your medical card or other statement of your illnesses and treatment abroad, if applicable
• Register your children into the relevant schools or day care in your home country

On your return home

• Inform the population information system if there is one
• Get your name(s) back on the electoral register
• Register your children into schools or day care if you could not do this while abroad
• Remember to register with any relevant authorities, such as medical services or the tax office
• Register with the employment service if you are unemployed, or with any other relevant part of the social security system
• Remember to make sure you still have a bank account and household insurance
• Rejoin your trade union or inform them about your change of address