Unemployment further up

  • 17 thousand new unemployed registered in October
  • Unemployment back to early 2010 level
  • Number of job seekers unchanged according to UWV
  • Marginal increase WW benefits

According to the most recent figures released by Statistics Netherlands, seasonally adjusted unemployment increased by 17 thousand in October 2011 to 455 thousand.

Figures published by the Institute for Implementation of Employees’ Insurances (UWV) show that 455 thousand job seekers were registered in the UWV database in October 2011, as many as in September. The amount of unemployment (WW) benefits has risen marginally to 253 thousand.

Further increase unemployed

Unemployment increased sharply for the fourth month in a row in October. The increase over the last four months struck men and women alike. The most substantial increase was recorded among 25 to 45-year-olds.

Unemployment back at early 2010 level

In October this year, 5.8 percent of the labour force were unemployed. Unemployment is now back at the record level of February 2010. Unemployment among 25 to 65-year-olds is currently higher than early last year. Youth unemployment (people under the age of 25) is still below the level of February 2010.

More job seekers at lower and intermediate level

The UWV database included 455 thousand job seekers in October, the same amount as in September. The number of job seekers at lower and intermediate level grew somewhat, whereas the number of job seekers at higher or university level declined marginally. The number of job seekers younger than 25 increased for the third consecutive month.

Marginal increase WW benefits

The amount of current WW benefits rose by 0.4 percent to 253 thousand; nearly 32 thousand new benefits were granted and nearly 31 thousand were terminated. The amount of benefits terminated due to resumption of work declined notably.