Unemployment down

Adjusted for seasonal variation, 674 thousand people in the Netherlands were unemployed in October 2013, a reduction by 11 thousand relative to September. In October, 8.5 percent in the Dutch labour force were unemployed. In July, unemployment peaked at 8.7 percent, after it had risen almost continuously since mid-2011.

Seasonally adjusted unemployment

Seasonally adjusted unemployment  
Results from the Consumer confidence survey show that in recent months Dutch consumers have clearly become less negative about future unemployment. In November, nearly 66 percent still anticipated unemployment to rise over the next twelve months, whereas more than 11 percent anticipated a reduction. The balance of positive and negative answers was -55, the highest level in two years.

Consumers' opinions on future unemployment

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.