The Dutch labour market is entering troubled waters as the number of unemployment benefit claims and overall unemployment have increased. Even so, economists say there is no reason for panic. Robert Dur, Professor of Economics at Erasmus School of Economics, stresses that young people and those aged 55 and over are feeling the effects most as the economy cools, but he also sees new opportunities emerging.
In 2025, the number of unemployment benefit claims rose by 9.5 per cent, partly due to an increase in company restructurings. By the end of last year, there were 410,000 unemployed people, representing 4 per cent of the labour force. That is more than a year earlier, although unemployment remains relatively low by international standards.
Young people hit first
According to Dur, it is logical that young people are the first to be affected when economic conditions worsen. ‘They often have little work experience and frequently work on temporary or flexible contracts. In times of uncertainty, these are not renewed,’ he says. ‘As a result, vulnerability increases particularly quickly within this group.’
Longer unemployment among people aged 55 and over
Older jobseekers are also facing difficulties. Dur points out that among people aged 55 and over, it is especially the duration of unemployment that is increasing. ‘If they lose their job, for example due to a restructuring, it takes longer on average for them to find new work.’ This is partly related to the higher salary levels they are accustomed to, although, according to Dur, they also bring a great deal of experience with them.
Opportunities through transitions and AI
Despite these worrying signals, Dur sees no reason for “excessive concern”. He does warn, however, that young people in particular need to think strategically about their future in the labour market. ‘They need to respond to developments such as artificial intelligence.’ At the same time, he sees opportunities arising from major societal transitions, including defence, energy and automation within government. ‘It could go either way. ‘With the right policies, the labour market could even become tight again,’ Dur says.
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You can read the full articles of Nederlands Dagblad and Volkskrant, 16 January 2026, above.
For more information, please contact Ronald de Groot, Media & Public Relations Officer at Erasmus School of Economics: rdegroot@ese.eur.nl, mobile: +31 6 53 641 846.
