Unemployment rising

In the period August–October 2009, seasonally adjusted unemployment stood at 403 thousand, an increase by 4 thousand relative to the period July-September.

In the period August–October, unemployment was 111 thousand up on the same period one year previously. Unemployment increased irrespective of age and gender. Male unemployment increased by 65 thousand, female unemployment by 46 thousand.

On average, 5.0 percent of the total Dutch labour force were unemployed. The highest unemployment rate was recorded among people aged between 15 and 25, of whom 10.8 percent were jobless. In the 25–45 and 45–65 age brackets, the unemployment rate was approximately 4 percent.

Unemployment rates for the male and female labour force were 4.6 and 5.5 percent respectively. The gap between male and female unemployment has narrowed compared to twelve months previously.

Seasonally adjusted unemployment