Fewer men receive unemployment benefits

By the end of September this year, 251 thousand unemployment (WW) benefits were granted, a decline by 3 thousand relative to one year previously. The number of unemployment benefits granted to male recipients was reduced by nearly 8 thousand to 134 thousand during the past twelve months. At the same time, the number of WW benefits granted to women grew by nearly 5 thousand to 117 thousand.

WW benefits

Labour market position men more insecure

Generally, the position of men on the labour market is more insecure and affected by changes in the economic situation than the position of women on the labour market. This also became manifest in the period September 2010–September 2011. The number of WW benefits paid to men shows a more erratic pattern than for women.

This also applies to the number of benefits granted and terminated each month. Inflow and outflow of male WW recipients varies between 15 and 29 thousand benefits a month; for women between 12 and 18 thousand. The winter period in particular shows an increase in new benefits among men.

Fewer male WW recipients

In September this year, 19 thousand new benefits were granted to men and 23 thousand were terminated. In 60 percent of cases, work resumption was the reason to terminate the benefit; in 24 percent of cases the maximum entitlement period had expired.

Inflow and outflow WW benefits by gender

Most WW recipients in 45–55 age bracket

Most WW benefits (77 thousand) were paid to 45 to 55-year-olds in September 2011, i.e. the same amount as in September 2010; 67 thousand benefits were paid to persons in the 55-65 age bracket, making it the second largest group of WW recipients. One year ago, 35 to 45-year-olds were the second largest group.

WW benefits by age

Geessiena Lycklama à Nijeholt