I would argue that it will be the young 20-somethings and the +55'ers that will shoulder the burden of high unemployment here in Holland.

2014 is very optimistic. We probably won't see the depths of unemployment until at least 2014. -and even then, expect structurally high unemployment for decades.

The over 55s in the UK are considered as "over the hill" or "past it", they are usually the last people to be interviewed for a job, maybe it is a bit different in NL land.

Amazing in most successful societies the "elderly" are considered an asset to teach the new generations , oh dang I forgot the "new" generation "knows" it all.

@AlMorr nope, not different here at all. They keep pushing up the retirement age, but the over 55s are the first to go and age discrimination plays a huge part over here. ;-\

In my opinion the real pain and problems have not even started here yet so I cannot figure out how the UMW can already predict a recovery. Very strange. Wait until 17 June - after the Greek elections.

Actually a bit worse than it is in North America, AlMorr. Two reasons:

1. Most Dutch employers expect a date of birth on a CV, and discussing age is not against labour laws, as it is in Ontario, at least.

2. North America is more open to continuing education. Therefore, there are more mature students upgrading or career changing.

The result? A North American CV can make one seem younger if they got a degree later in life. If you also look younger, bonus.

Not that it ISN'T a problem, just less of one than it is here. Bonus days off and other perks also inadvertently turn off Dutch employers who want to thin out the pile of CVs.

@AIMorr: It's not any different. The over 55's are having a very difficult time in the NL. *I* was having a hard time and I'm only 34. Thus, I took my two MSc's in scientific research and headed back to my home country.

@Kevin, the 20somethings have the advantage that they won't be that age forever.
It's easier for younger people to move from one industry to another as employers favour them.
Once you hit 50s (I'm 54) & have spent your entire working life in one industry employers are not so keen to give you a chance in another type of work.
If there is inflexibility for the over 55s it's coming largely from employers (IMO).
How am I supposed to work to 67 when I can't find a job at 54, despite the number of vacancies in my own industry!

Leaving the EU is the answer, if we stay in the EU the economy & jobs are out of our control Spain is a good example. We will also lose our identity, freedom, culture & democracy.

Meeting the EU spending targets and Austerity is suicide for the Dutch economy.

The over 55s in the UK are considered as "over the hill" or "past it", they are usually the last people to be interviewed for a job, maybe it is a bit different in NL land.

Sorry to disappoint you, but it is no different here.

@Phil, How is leaving the EU going to help older workers find a job?
Your comment doesn't appear to have any connection to the article.

Phil, leaving the EU will not change engrained attitudes of employers. And the rest of your theory is unproven, merely a dream you cling to to ensure you don't have to put up with those foreigners that are apparently forcing you to stop being Dutch.

@Donaugh- By leaving the EU we can control our own economy again & thus not have to go down the path or Austerity, Austerity causes jobs losses which will effect older workers.

@CW- U are entitled to your views & so am I, every culture has a right to protection, especially natives in there homelands & cities, the forced break down of European culture will not work & will lead to violent uprisings if it continues. The EU is anti democratic, there are at least 10 communists in the EU parliament.

Phil: A communist isn't necessarily anti-democratic. By leaving the EU, you will create a kind of hermit state, with border controls, extra regulations, currency risks, and all around a larger more powerful, and open trade union. -Which by the way is the lifeblood of this country. If you are willing to watch the Dutch economy shrink 3-5 pct every year for 10 years just to achieve your Utopia, then you are truly insane. Austerity is also BAD, and the EUR should implement target fiscal and monetary policy at growth. -But leaving the EU is a terrible, terrible idea.