Sharp increase unemployment

  • Unemployment rate up to 7.5 percent in January
  • Youth unemployment climbs to 15 percent
  • Number of WW benefits substantially higher in north of the country

According to the latest figures released by Statistics Netherlands, unemployment adjusted for seasonal variation increased by 21 thousand in January to 592 thousand.

Figures published by the Institute for Implementation of Employees’ Insurances (UWV) show that the number of unemployment (WW) benefits has risen by 29 thousand to 369 thousand.

Unemployment figures continue to rise

In January, 7.5 percent in the Dutch labour force were unemployed, versus 7.2 percent in December. Unemployment has risen dramatically in recent months. The average monthly increase over the past three months was 19 thousand (11 thousand men and 8 thousand women).

More unemployed across all age groups

Unemployment increased across all age groups. Youth unemployment climbed to 15 percent in January, as against more than 13 percent three months ago. Unemployment among 25 to 45-year-olds and 45 to 65-year-olds increased further in January to 6.7 percent and 6.4 percent respectively.

Substantial increase benefits to young people and in the construction sector

The number of current WW benefits grew by 8.6 percent in January 2013. The increase was above average in the northern provinces of Drenthe, Groningen, Friesland and Overijssel. The number of young benefit recipients and benefits paid to people employed in the construction sector also grew above average relative to December 2012.

In January, 74 thousand new WW benefits were granted and 45 thousand were terminated; 21 thousand benefits were terminated due to resumption of work, i.e. 47 percent of the total amount of unemployment benefits terminated in January. The corresponding figure for January 2012 was 51 percent.

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