Reporting sick during vacation: what now?

Questioner

I just got back from my 3 week vacation. During my last week I got sick. I didn't call in sick because I had no idea I had to (it was never explained to me). In Mallorca I didn't go to a doctor because I was flying home the next day. When I got to the Netherlands I went to the doctor and he diagnosed me with food poisoning. I was given a course of antibiotics for this. Now that I am back at work I have asked if I can get my hours back. My employer says they cannot report me sick retroactively. Is this true? Is there a possibility that I can get my hours back?

Lawyer

No, they can't. You should have reported sick to your employer immediately, even if it is during the holiday or immediately after. The employer must report you sick within a certain period.