Sustained decline in unemployment

In the period November 2006 - January 2007, the seasonally adjusted unemployment figure in the Netherlands stood at 380 thousand, a reduction by 12 thousand relative to the period October-December.

Unemployment continues to fall. From the summer of 2005 to the summer of 2006, unemployment declined each month. During the summer of 2006, unemployment varied around 409 thousand and subsequently began to fall again.

In the period November-January, unemployment was 76 thousand down on the same period one year previously. More man than woman managed to find a job. Male and female unemployment were reduced by 56 and 20 thousand respectively. Unemployment declined in all age groups, but was most substantial among 25 to 44-year-olds.

In the period November-January an average of 5.0 percent of the Dutch labour force was unemployed. Among men and women this was 3.8 and 6.5 percent respectively.

Unemployment, seasonally adjusted