Job vacancies rise further

The number of job vacancies in the Netherlands rose further in the second quarter of 2004. After adjustment for seasonal effects there were 121 thousand vacancies at the end of June. This is 8 thousand more than in the previous quarter according to figures from Statistics Netherlands.

Vacancies up for three quarters in a row

After years of decrease, the number of vacancies has now risen for three quarters in succession. The increase was on average nearly 10 thousand vacancies per quarter, and was strongest in the commercial services sector.

More vacancies in smaller companies

The increase in the number of vacant jobs was reported by smaller companies in particular, This can be seen from the figures before they were adjusted for seasonal effects. At the end of June 2004 there were 50 thousand job vacancies in companies with fewer than ten employees. This is 11 thousand more than one year previously. In medium-sized companies the increase was smaller: they had 2 thousand vacancies more than twelve months previously. In larger companies on the other hand there was a slight fall in the number of job vacancies. On 30 June 2004 this category had 3 thousand fewer vacancies than on the same date last year.

Labour market more dynamic

For the first time in years the labour market has become more dynamic. This is obvious from the increase in the number of new jobs created and the number of vacancies filled. In the second quarter of 2003, 203 thousand vacancies were created. One year previously this was still only 175 thousand. More vacancies were also filled: in the second quarter of 2004 188 vacant jobs were filled, 15 thousand more than one year previously.

Higher vacancy rate

The job vacancy rate is the number of unfilled vacancies per thousand jobs. This is an indicator for the tension on the labour market. At the end of June 2004 there were 20 vacancies for every thousand jobs, 2 more than twelve months previously. The increase took place in nearly all sectors of employment, although there was a slight fall in trade and in health care and welfare.

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