Long-term unemployment down in 2008

Last year, there were 119 thousand long-term unemployed, 27 thousand fewer than in 2007. Unemployment dropped markedly among older and secondary-educated long-term unemployed.

Fewer long-term unemployed after 2005

In 2008, over 300 thousand people were unemployed, i.e. approximately 180 thousand down on 2005. Initially, short-term unemployment declined notably in the period 2005-2008, but since 2007 long-term unemployment declined more rapidly than short-term unemployment. Long and short-term unemployment dropped by 27 thousand and 13 thousand respectively in 2008 relative to the previous year.

Unemployed labour force by period of unemployment

Fewer older long-term unemployed

Last year, 65 thousand people in the age category 45-65 were long-term unemployed. The unemployment rate in this age group was high relative to other age groups, despite a reduction by 17 thousand compared to 2007. The number of long-term 25 to 45-year-old unemployed also dropped. The rate among young unemployed (15-25) hardly changed. 

Number of long-term unemployed by age

Fewer long-term unemployed among secondary-level educated

There are 50 thousand lower educated long-term unemployed people in the Netherlands, more or less the same amount as in 2007. The number of higher educated long-term unemployed was also stable. The number of unemployed educated at secondary level, on the other hand, dropped from 63 thousand in 2007 to 44 thousand in 2008.

Number of long-term unemployed by level of education

Harry Bierings and Robert de Vries