Dutch Unemployment Surpasses Job Vacancies for First Time Since 2021
Amsterdam, Thursday, 30 October 2025.
The Netherlands sees a shift as unemployment rises to 399,000, surpassing job vacancies at 387,000, signaling reduced labor market tension amid economic uncertainties.
Current Labor Market Dynamics
Recent data from the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) highlights a critical development in the Dutch labor market: the number of unemployed individuals has exceeded job vacancies for the first time since 2021. As of the third quarter of 2025, unemployment rose to 399,000, while job vacancies decreased to 387,000 [1]. This shift marks a significant reduction in labor market tension, with the ratio of 97 job openings per 100 unemployed indicating a cooling trend amidst ongoing economic uncertainties [2].
Sector-specific Trends and Implications
The decline in job vacancies has been most prominent in the financial services sector, which saw a reduction of 2,000 vacancies, leaving only 8,000 available positions [1]. Conversely, the trade sector experienced an increase of 1,000 vacancies, totaling 72,000, indicating a shifting demand across different industries [1]. The overall job count in the Netherlands decreased by 7,000, with significant losses in culture, recreation, and other services [3]. These changes suggest businesses may need to reassess hiring strategies and adapt to the evolving economic landscape.
Economic and Social Impacts
The rise in unemployment is partly attributed to more people actively seeking work, including former retirees and individuals entering the workforce for the first time [4]. This trend underscores the complexity of labor market dynamics, where the increase in job seekers does not necessarily correlate with job losses. Additionally, the number of underutilized part-time workers has consistently risen, reaching 541,000, which could further alleviate labor shortages if these individuals transition to full-time roles [4].
Looking Ahead
As policymakers and businesses navigate these labor market shifts, there is a pressing need for strategic interventions to address the mismatch between job vacancies and unemployment. Experts suggest that targeted policies could help bridge this gap, fostering a more balanced and resilient employment landscape [5]. Future discussions on labor market strategies are anticipated to take place in November 2025, which may offer solutions to the current challenges [5].