Youth unemployment down

In December 2010, seasonally adjusted unemployment in the Netherlands stood at 401 thousand, a decline by 8 thousand relative to November. Youth unemployment in particular dropped significantly by 9 thousand. In the age category 25-44, unemployment was also reduced somewhat, but more 45 to 64-year-olds became unemployed.

In December last year, 4.8 percent of the total Dutch labour force was unemployed. The unemployment rates among men and women were 4.4 and 5.2 percent respectively. Despite the reduction, December’s youth unemployment rate was the highest (8.0 percent).

According to the Consumer Confidence Survey of January 2011, consumers are optimistic about future unemployment developments. One in three consumers expects unemployment to drop in the next 12 months. Over the past three years, Dutch consumers have never been so positive.

Seasonally adjusted unemployment