Almost half of Dutch businesses shored up by public purse in 2020

Almost half of all companies had government support during the coronavirus pandemic last year, according to the CBS national statistics office.

The figures show that 48% of firms with at least two employees took advantage of a package to keep businesses afloat. Around one in four used government aid to pay salaries (28%), while many used help for fixed costs (24%), or postponed their tax payments (22%). A total of almost 198,000 were shored up by the public purse.

The vast majority of hotels, restaurants and cafes had government help, with 85% using the measures to pay fixed costs and 60% to pay salaries. Other service industries and culture, sport and recreational firms were also heavily supported.

There was, however, less help for companies with just one employee, which make up three quarters of the businesses in the Netherlands. A quarter of these firms used the three support measures. There are currently no figures about the uptake of a further boost for freelancers, the Tozo rule.