Unemployment stable in May

21/06/2012 15:00

Unemployment rate at 6.2 percent in May
Upward trend in unemployment continues
Number of WW benefits virtually unchanged

According to the most recent figures published by Statistics Netherlands, unemployment adjusted for seasonal variation stood at 489 thousand in May, almost the same as in April.

Figures released by the Institute for Implementation of Employees’ Insurances (UWV) show that 291 thousand unemployment (WW) benefits were granted in May, the same amount as in April.

Number of unemployed in May the same as in April

In May as well as in April, 6.2 percent of the labour force were unemployed. The unemployement rates for men and women remained unchanged. Across all age groups, unemployment was almost the same in May as in April.

Although the number of unemployed did not change in May, the trend is still upward. Over the past three months, the average monthly unemployment increase was 9 thousand. Broken down by gender, the average monthly increase for men and women was 5 thousand and 4 thousand respectively. During this period, unemployment grew most among 45 to 65-year-olds.

Marginal increase WW benefits granted to women and over-55s

Nearly 37 thousand new WW benefits were granted in May and more than 38 thousand were terminated. As a result, the number of current WW benefits declined by 1 thousand to 291 thousand. The decline only occurred among men. The number of WW benefits granted to women rose marginally. Proportionally, the number of WW benefits dropped most substantially among young people. The number of WW benefits grew somewhat in the over-55 age bracket.

More benefits granted in sectors trade and health care and welfare

In relative terms, the number of WW benefits dropped most in sectors subject to seasonal variation, e.g. agriculture and construction. The sectors trade (+1.4%) and health care, welfare and culture (+1%) accounted for an increase in the number of benefits in May. The number of benefits paid in the sector health care, welfare and culture was 26 percent up on twelve months previously.