Unemployment climbs to 4% in June, breaking downward trend

Unemployment rose to 4% in July as the number of people out of work grew by an average of 2,000 a month in the second quarter, according to new CBS figures.

The Dutch government’s statistics agency recorded 404,000 people out of work in July, while the number claiming unemployment benefits increased by 3,000 to 200,000.

A further 3.2 million people between the ages of 15 and 75 – around a quarter of the potential workforce – were unemployed but not looking for work, mainly because they were retired or excluded by illness or disability.

Unemployment grew among men, particularly those under the age of 45, with 4% of men out of work compared to 3.8% in June. For women the proportion fell from 4% to 3.9% during the month.

The biggest increases were in eastern regions such as Twente, the Achterhoek and Gorinchem, while unemployment dropped in eight areas including southern Limburg, Flevoland and Zuid-Holland Centraal.

The total number reached 416,000 in February, its highest level for nearly three years, before dropping in the spring. A year ago 370,000 people were out of work while 164,000 were claiming unemployment benefit.