Unemployment falls further

According to the latest figures from Statistics Netherlands, an average 307 thousand people were out of work in the Netherlands in the period August-October 2007. This is the equivalent of 4.0 percent of the labour force. Twelve months previously the unemployment rate was 5.2 percent. Seasonally adjusted unemployment has fallen by an average 5 thousand a month in the last six months.

Unemployment falling by 5 thousand a month

After adjustment for seasonal effects, unemployment came to 328 thousand people in the period August-October 2007, 3 thousand fewer than in the preceding three-month period. Because the figures are based on a sample survey, it is better to view the figures over a longer period. In the last six months unemployment has fallen by an average 5 thousand people a month. 

Fewer and fewer over-45s unemployed

The total number of people out of work in August-October 2007 was 83 thousand lower than in the same period last year. Just as the youngest age group and the 25-44 year-olds, the over-45s have also benefited from the favourable situation on the labour market in the last year. In the period August-October 2007 the unemployment rate for the over-45s fell to 3.8 percent, 1.0 percentage point down on twelve months previously.

Unemployment among the over-45s has been decreasing since the second half of 2006. For the youngest age group and the 25-44 year-olds, this downturn started earlier.