Unemployment down
In the period February–April 2010, seasonally adjusted unemployment stood at 437 thousand, a decline by 9 thousand on the period January–March 2010. Unemployment dropped for the first time since the summer of 2008.
Unemployment was 99 thousand higher than in February–April 2009. Male unemployment increased by 61 thousand, female unemployment by 38 thousand. Unemployment increased across all age groups and both genders.
On average, 5.9 percent of the total Dutch labour force were unemployed versus 4.6 percent one year previously. Unemployment rates for the male and female labour force were 5.7 and 6.3 percent respectively. The highest unemployment rate was recorded among women in the age category 15–25, of whom 13.3 percent were jobless.
The latest consumer confidence figures show that fewer consumers think unemployment will increase in the twelve months to come.
