Unemployment up in July

• Unemployment rate at 5.3 percent
• Male and female unemployment up
• Number of job seekers and WW benefits stable

According to the most recent figures published by Statistics Netherlands, seasonally adjusted unemployment totalled 413 thousand in July, exceeding the 400 thousand mark for the first time in 2011.

Figures released by the Institute for Implementation of Employees’ Insurances (UWV) show that the number of job seekers as well as the number of unemployment (WW) benefits have remained virtually stable in July.

Male and female unemployment up

During the first six months of this year, unemployment continually ranged between 392 and 400 thousand, but in July unemployment rose to 413 thousand (5.3 percent of the Dutch labour force). Unemployment increased by 22 thousand compared to June and by 13 thousand compared to May.

July’s unemployment growth was about the same for both genders. Female unemployment is still below the level of one year previously, but male unemployment is currently above the level of July 2010.

Increase higher educated job seekers

According to the UWV, the number of unemployed job seekers remained stable in July at 454 thousand. The number of higher educated job seekers grew marginally, whereas jobs at elementary level and various occupational categories at lower level showed decline, particularly in the transport sector and the care sector.

More female WW recipients

In July, 29 thousand WW benefits were terminated and 31 thousand new ones were granted. As a result, the number of current benefits grew by one thousand (only women) to 254 thousand.