Employment opportunities social security recipients vary considerably by municipality
Nearly 30 thousand persons living on social security benefits by the end of 2009 managed to find jobs in 2010, i.e. 9 percent of social security recipients. In the category municipalities with 100 thousand or more residents, Zaanstad and Zoetermeer performed above average, but in Amsterdam and Utrecht, the results were below average.
One in seven find employment in Zaanstad and Zoetermeer
There were 2.5 thousand under-65 social security recipients in Zaanstad by the end of 2009. Nearly 14 percent found paid employee jobs in 2010. In the category municipalities with a population of 100 thousand or more, Zaanstad achieved the best results. With just under 14 percent, Zoetermeer also performed relatively well.
Proportion of social security recipients at the end of 2009 who found jobs in 2010
Regional labour demand also important
How many social security recipients find employment depends on various factors, like whether municipal authorities are prepared to put in an effort, the situation on the regional labour market and whether a job seeker has particular professional know-how. If the proportion of long-term social security recipients is higher, fewer people will manage to find employment.
Amsterdam and Utrecht least successful
Social security recipients in Amsterdam were the least likely to find employment (6 percent) versus just over 6 percent in Utrecht and 8 en 7 percent respectively in Rotterdam and The Hague.
Proportion of social security recipients by the end of 2009 who found employment in 2010 by municipality
Middle-sized municipalities: Roosendaal most successful
In the category 50–100 thousand residents, the municipalities of Roosendaal and Capelle aan den IJssel were most effective; 17 and 16 percent respectively of people living on social security in these municipalities found employment by the end of 2009.
Transition from social security benefit to employment to a large extent dependent on the economic situation
The chance of finding a job is strongly dependent on the economic situation. In 2007, nearly 15 percent of all persons living on social security benefits at the end of 2006 managed to find new jobs. In 2008 and 2009, the effects of the slumping economy became manifest and the proportions dropped to 12 and 8 percent respectively. The chance of finding employment grew again marginally in 2010.
Social security recipients by the end of the year who found employment the next year
Jeremy Weidum