The Netherlands may have a record 9.4 million people in work at present, but one third of them work no more than 20 hours a week, and almost half work less than 38 hours, news website Nu.nl reported on Monday.

In total, 4.9 million people in the Netherlands work full time and 4.5 million work less, Nu.nl said, based on figures from national statistics agency CBS.

On average, the Dutch work 32 hours a week – men work 36 hours and women 28. However, compared with 2021, women are working slightly more hours and men slightly less, Nu.nl said.

The under-25s – many of whom are also at university or college – are least likely to work full time.

The Dutch labour market is currently extremely stretched, with severe shortages of staff in several sectors, including retail, hospitality, care and business services – such as cleaning and security. By the end of last year there were 105 vacancies for every 100 people classified as unemployed.

Earlier this year, government advisory group SER said teachers, care workers and defense staff must be motivated to work longer hours in the short term to avoid staff shortages in future.

Brussels has also suggested opening up vacancies to more workers from outside the EU to ease the shortage of workers across the continent, a move the Dutch government opposes.

The Dutch unemployment rate currently stands at around 3.4%.