Unemployment unchanged

Seasonally adjusted unemployment stood at 314 thousand in the period December 2007-February 2008. This is the same as in the two previous periods (November-January and October-December). Before that unemployment still showed an obvious decrease.

Unemployment was still 63 thousand below the level of twelve months previously. For almost two and a half years now, unemployment has decreased every three-month period compared with the same period in the previous year.

The most substantial reduction was recorded for 25-44 year-olds. This age group accounted for about two-thirds of the total reduction. Unemployment also fell among young people and among the over-45s. Female unemployment decreased more than male unemployment, although most unemployed people are women.

An average 4.2 percent of the total Dutch labour force were unemployed in the period December-February compared with 5.1 percent twelve months previously. The unemployment rate for women was higher than for men: 5.4 percent and 3.3 percent respectively.

Unemployment, seasonally adjusted