Unemployment rises further
Adjusted for seasonal variation, unemployment in the Netherlands numbered 691 thousand people in February 2014, 13 thousand more than in the preceding month. In December 2013 and January 2014, unemployment rose by 15 and 10 thousand respectively. Until December, unemployment had been decreasing for a number of months.
In February, 8.8 percent in the Dutch labour force were unemployed. Unemployment was relatively highest among 15 to 24-year-olds (16.3 percent). For 25 to 44-year-olds it was 8.2 percent, and for 45 to 64-year-olds 7.5 percent.
Seasonally adjusted unemployment
According to the consumer confidence survey, Dutch consumers are pessimistic about how unemployment will develop in the next twelve months. The mood lifted in March though, after a substantial deterioration in February. In March, 59 percent of consumers expected unemployment to rise in the next twelve months. Nearly 16 percent anticipated a decrease. The balance of positive and negative answers stood at -43, up from -61 in February.
Consumers' opinions on future unemployment
More figures can be found in dossier Business cycle.
For more information on economic indicators, the reader is referred to Economic Monitor.