Unemployment continues to grow

  • 8.7 percent in Dutch labour force unemployed
  • Unemployment grows more rapidly
  • Number of WW benefits nearing 400 thousand

According to the most recent figures released by Statistics Netherlands, unemployment adjusted for seasonal variation grew by 19 thousand in July to reach 694 thousand.
Figures published by the Institute for Implementation of Employees’ Insurances (UWV) show that the number of unemployment (WW) benefits has grown by 13 thousand to 395 thousand.

More unemployed in July

The number of unemployed increased by 19 thousand in July. The increase is more substantial than in the preceding three months. The unemployment rate in July was 8.7 percent. Youth unemployment was 17 percent and the unemployment rates among 25 to 44-year-olds and over-45s were 7.9 and 7.5  percent respectively.

Unemployment has risen over the past two years

Unemployment has risen on a monthly basis since July 2011. The average monthly increase over the past twenty-four months was 12 thousand. Men in the age category 25-64 accounted for nearly half of the increase. In particular over the past twelve months, unemployment has soared: by more than 180 thousand versus nearly 100 thousand in the previous twelve months. The main reason is that more people than before became unemployed because they lost their jobs. 

According to the ILO (International Labour Organisation) definition, 7.0 percent in the Dutch labour force were unemployed in July versus 6.8 percent in June.

More unemployment benefits in sector education

The number of WW benefits has risen by 13 thousand in July to 395 thousand. Proportionally, the number of WW benefits has grown most rapidly in the sector education and remained fairly stable in the sector hotels and restaurants. The highest regional increase occurred in the province of Overijssel.

The number of current WW benefits increased by 97 thousand ((32 percent) relative to June 2012 and has risen most rapidly over the past year in the sectors construction, health care & welfare and transport & storage.

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