Over a quarter of Dutch companies laying off workers to withstand recession

In the second quarter of 2009, just over 71 percent of Dutch companies reported taking measures to combat the effects of the economic recession. This is slightly more than in the first quarter. Staff reductions in particular were mentioned more often than in the previous quarter.

Measures against economic recession

Measures against economic recession

Over 71 percent of companies taking measures to combat recession

Just over 71 percent of Dutch companies reported they had taken measures to combat the effects of the economic recession. In the previous quarter this was 68 percent. Dismissing staff was mentioned particularly often. In the second quarter of 2009, 22 percent of companies said they had laid off temporary workers. Another 6 percent said they were giving notice to staff with a permanent contract. Postponing investment was also mentioned more often than in the first quarter. Relocating and outsourcing production activities were mentioned less frequently than in the first quarter.

Effects of present credit crisis on Dutch businesses

Effects of present credit crisis on Dutch businesses

Companies not suffering more than in first quarter

The number of companies who reported being affected by the credit crisis has hardly changed from the first quarter. Just as in the first quarter, one in five companies said they were finding it more difficult to get credit. But fewer businesses said they could not get credit insurance; large companies in particular had fewer problems in this respect. More companies said they had trouble banking surplus liquidity, on the other hand.

Lonneke de Leeuw, Sidney Vergouw