Job growth slightly less vigorous

The number of jobs of employees increased by 154 thousand (2.0 percent) in the second quarter of 2008 relative to the second quarter of 2007. In the first quarter of 2008, job growth was 2.2 percent. Employment has risen continuously since early 2005.

The number of jobs of employees is clearly subject to seasonal variation. After correction for seasonal effects, the number of jobs in the second quarter rose 0.4 percent relative to the first quarter of 2008. This is slightly below the average level over 2007.

In the second quarter, the total number of full-time and part-time jobs of employees in the Netherlands exceeded 8 million for the first time. 

Annual wage costs were 4.2 percent higher in the second quarter of this year than twelve months previously, the most substantial increase in four years. Annual wage costs increased most in the construction sector, least in non-commercial services, e.g. the public sector and care.

Growth rate jobs and economic growth