Unemployment down
- Unemployment reduced by 11 thousand in October
- Number of current benefits down by 8 thousand
According to the most recent figures released by Statistics Netherlands, seasonally adjusted unemployment was reduced by 11 thousand to 674 thousand in October 2013, i.e. 8.5 percent of the employed labour force.
Figures released by the Institute for Implementation of Employees’ Insurances (UWV) show that the number of unemployment (WW) benefits granted in October grew by 8 thousand to 408 thousand.
Fewer unemployed
In October, 8.5 percent in the labour force were unemployed. With 8.7 percent, unemployment reached the highest level in July 2013 after twenty-four months of continuous growth. Over the past three months, the number of unemployed was reduced by an average of 7 thousand a month. The most substantial reduction was recorded among men and young people.
According to the definition used by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), 7.0 percent in the Dutch labour force were unemployed in October, the same percentage as in September.
Fewer WW benefits in sector education
In October, 408 thousand WW benefits were granted, a 2 percent growth relative to September; 58 thousand new benefits were granted and 50 thousand benefits were terminated.
As usual after the summer months (at the beginning of the new school year), the number of benefits granted in the sector education dropped dramatically in October. In sectors affected by seasonal variation, like agriculture and the sector hotels and restaurants, on the other hand, the number of current WW benefits grew significantly in October.
Nearly half of terminated benefits due to resumption of work in 2013
In the period January-October, 508 thousand new WW benefits were granted, an increase by more than 100 thousand relative to the same period last year. The UWV terminated 440 thousand WW benefits in the same period, i.e. 75 thousand more than in 2012. Nearly half of benefits (213 thousand) were terminated due to work resumption. The number of benefits terminated due to expiration of the maximum entitlement period was 157 thousand.