The shortage in the Dutch jobs market is expected to ease slightly in the next two years, but employers will still face challenges to fill vacancies, the unemployment insurance agency UWV says.

The total number of jobs is forecast to grow by 1.1% by 2027, based on modest economic growth, but demand will vary strongly among regions and sectors.

Greater Amsterdam, central Utrecht and south-east Brabant, as well as the so-called “food valley” in Gelderland are all seeing relatively strong jobs growth, but job opportunities are likely to shrink in border regions such as Zeeland, Limburg and Drenthe.

Personnel agencies and wholesalers also face tight conditions, while the IT sector, healthcare and business services will grow, the UWV said.

Total participation in the labour market reached a record 73.2% in 2024, hitting 76% in some central regions, while the so-called unused potential was at a record low.

Some 372,000 people are classified as unemployed and looking for work, but a further half a million say they would work more hours if they could. Another 284,000 people are out of work for reasons such as illness or incapacity.

Suzanne IJzerrman, labour market adviser for UWV, saiid the trends underlined the need to promote reskilling to match job seekers to vacancies.

“For working people it is important to keep up with their training so that they can stay in a the market despite the changes. This could also mean a shift of skills and functions within their current job.”