The number of building companies going bankrupt soared by 37% in the first four months of this year. In April, 180 building firms went bust, a 78% rise compared with a year ago, according to website Faillissementsdossier.nl.

The building sector has come under pressure from the housing crisis, as well as the economic problems.
In total, 4,068 companies went bankrupt in the first four months of the year – up 20% on a year ago.