298 thousand unemployed

In the period May-July 2008, the seasonally adjusted unemployment figure stood at 298 thousand, i.e. 12 thousand down on the period April-June this year. This decline follows several months of relative stability. Over the past six months, unemployment fell by an average of approximately 3 thousand a month.

Unemployment was 55 thousand down on the same period last year. The sharpest decline was recorded among over-45s. Unemployment also diminished in the 25–44 and under-25 age categories. Female unemployment dropped more rapidly than male unemployment. 

An average 4.0 percent of the total Dutch labour force were unemployed in the period May-July, as against 4.7 percent twelve months previously. A gender breakdown shows that 4.9 percent of the female labour force were unemployed versus 3.2 percent of the male labour force.

Unemployment, seasonally adjusted