At the start of the corona crisis, there were warnings that masses of people would lose their jobs, but in the meantime, the Netherlands, together with the Czech Republic, has the lowest unemployment rate in the EU, writes. de Volkskrant.
There are currently 73 job seekers per 100 vacancies. Labor economist Arjan Heyma of SEO Economic Research explains: “Many people have left in the sectors that have been affected. But someone from the catering industry cannot just work at ASML. suffered from the pandemic, it has remained unabated. In affected sectors that are now allowed to open again, they are left empty-handed.”
The explanations: Some of the workers have left for the GGD. There, the number of full-time jobs rose from 12,000 to 40,000. A number of labor migrants have returned to their own country during corona time. “And even more importantly”, Heyma says, “there are far fewer young people entering the labor market. For example, MBO students have started learning or are taking longer to complete their studies.” Finally, there are still 100,000 to 150,000 workers sitting at home with NOW support awaiting the reopening of their sector.
Due to the aging population, the labor market will remain tight in the coming decades. There are no good solutions. Part-time workers (many women), migrant workers and retirees will be considered. Wages will rise and there will be more investment in technology that can take over work.
