Vacancies for school-leavers in decline

Between September 2003 and September 2004 the number of job vacancies rose by 28 thousand to 109 thousand. The number of vacancies for school-leavers, on the other hand, fell by 6.5 thousand. The sharpest decrease was found in the sector trade.

Vacancies, 2000–2004

One in eight vacancies fit for school-leavers

According to employers the number of vacancies fit for school-leavers declined in the course of 2003, although the total number of vacancies increased. Vacancies for school-leavers were even reduced by more than 80 percent, compared to 2000. At the end of September there were almost 13 thousand vacancies for school-leavers, i.e. 12 percent of the total number of vacancies. One year ago 24 percent of vacancies were considered fit for school-leavers.

Vacancies for school-leavers by sector

Strongest decline in the sector trade

In all sectors the proportion of vacancies for school-leavers was lower in 2004 than one year previously. The most substantial decline was found in the sector trade, particularly in department stores and other retail trade and in the sector agriculture. Vacancies for school-leavers were reduced by two-thirds in these sectors. In 2004 most vacancies for school-leavers were found in business services (nearly 3 thousand) and trade (close on 2.5 thousand)

Highest vacancy rate in the province of Limburg

The number of unfilled vacancies in the Netherlands per 1 thousand jobs rose by one third between 2003 and 2004 to 16 per 1 thousand jobs. The sharpest increase in the vacancy rate was found in Limburg. The relative number of vacancies in Limburg doubled to 22, the highest rate of all provinces. The lowest rate, 9 vacancies per 1 thousand jobs, was found in the province of Drenthe.

Vacancy rate per province

The only province where the labour market was not so tight was Groningen. Towards the end of September 2004 the vacancy rate for this province was 11. One year ago there were 13 vacancies per 1 thousand jobs.

Jeremy Weidum