There was only a slight rise in the number of people claiming welfare benefits in the third quarter of the year, despite the coronavirus pandemic, new figures from national statistics agency CBS show.

By the end of September, 423,000 people were claiming welfare benefits (bijstand), a 7,000 rise on the year earlier period.

The increase is across all age groups but is largest – 8% –  among youngsters under the age of 27.

Many youngsters lost their jobs in the hospitality industry because of the coronavirus lockdown and many also only had a flexible work contract which entitles them to a maximum three months unemployment benefit if they lost their jobs.

Economists expect the impact of coronavirus on the jobs market to really be felt next year when government wage support schemes are phased out.