Labour Market Information: Netherlands

National level - Netherlands

^{* The years referenced in this report vary, as the data is based on the most up-to-date information available for each indicator, as of December 2024.}

Labour market

As of 1 January 2024, about 17.9 million people lived in Netherlands. The gross domestic product per inhabitant was EUR 54 100 in 2022, 52.8% higher than the average of EUR 35 400 per inhabitant in the EU27. Between 2018 and 2022, the GDP per capita increased by 20%.

^{Note: nama_10r_2gdp, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu)}

In 2023, more than 10.1 million people were active on the labour market in Netherlands. The employment rate was 82.4%, 12 percentage points higher than the EU27 average and 5.2 percentage points higher compared to 2018.

In 2023, for women, the employment rate was 78.9%, for men, the employment rate was 86%, and for youth, the employment rate was 76.5%, all above the EU average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, data refer to working age population (15-64), youth age group (15-24)  Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu)}

In 2023, the unemployment rate was equal to the level registered in 2022. In 2023, the unemployment rate returned to the level before the pandemic, when it equalled 3.8% in 2018, and 3.4% in 2019. The unemployment rate is consistently below the EU27 average. In 2023, it was 2.6 percentage points lower in Netherlands than in the EU27.

In 2023, 84.7% of the active workforce were from Netherlands, 4.7% from other EU Member States and 10.6 from third countries. In the EU27, as of 2023, the highest proportion of the workforce comes from the respective country (85% on average), while on average a smaller portion is from foreign countries (4.3% from other EU Member States, and 10.5% from third countries).

In 2022, most employees worked in wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (19.3%), followed by human health and social work activities (18.8%), administrative and support service activities (12.4%) and professional, scientific and technical activities (9.4%). In terms of number of enterprises, most can be found in professional, scientific and technical activities (21.2%), wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (14.3%), and construction (12.2%).

In Netherlands, the highest proportion of employees (39.9%) worked in large companies with more than 250 employees. These companies accounted for only 0.1% of all enterprises in the country, with just 2 628 of such businesses. 28.5% of persons employed worked in micro companies with up to 9 employees, 15.5% of persons employed worked in medium companies with 50 to 249 employees, 9.1% of persons employed worked in small companies with 20 to 49 employees and 6.9% of persons employed worked in small companies with 10 to 19 employees.

Vacancies

In 2024, in Netherlands, the occupational groups with the highest occurrence of shortage occupations were: business and administration associate professionals, building and related trades workers (excluding electricians) and science and engineering professionals. On the other hand, the occupational groups with the highest occurrence of surplus occupations were: personal service workers, general and keyboard clerks and legal, social and cultural professionals.

Read more about labour shortages and surpluses in Europe: Labour shortages and surpluses in Europe 2023 | European Labour Authority (europa.eu)

Job vacancy rate

Regarding the job vacancy rate (defined as the number of job vacancies expressed as a percentage of the total sum of occupied posts and job vacancies), in 2023 this was 4.5 % in the industry, construction and services, 1.7 percentage points higher than the EU27 on average. This rate has increased by 0.4 percentage points compared to 2022 and it is still above the situation before 2020, when it stood only at 3.3%.

^{Note: jvs_a_rate_r2, Statistics | Eurostat}

The sectors with the highest vacancy rates were human health and social work activities; education; arts, entertainment and recreation; public administration and defence; compulsory social security; administrative and support services.

^{Note: jvs_a_rate_r2, Statistics | Eurostat}

Widely used job portals

Wages

Minimum wage

As of 1 January 2024, the statutory minimum wage in Netherlands was set at 2070.12 EUR. Collective bargaining in Netherlands is at 75.6%.

Monthly average gross and net earnings

In 2023, the gross average earnings of a single person stood at EUR 5190, while the EU27 average was EUR 3417. The equivalent net wage was EUR 3 771 in Netherlands, compared to EUR 2351 in the EU27. Compared to 2018, gross average earnings increased by 20.7% in Netherlands and by 19.8% in the EU27. During the same period, the net wages have increased by 26.2% in Netherlands and by 22.1% in the EU27.

^{Note: earn_nt_net, Single person earning 100% average, annual rates transformed into 12 monthly payments. Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu)}

Trends

Go directly to Ageing workforce | Female labour market participation | Flexible work arrangements | Immigration | Insufficient number of jobseekers with the required skills | Remote work| Unemployment | Workers with disabilities

Ageing workforce

The labour force is ageing with 22% of them being 55 to 75 years old (2023), compared to 17% in 2013. This is because of the higher retirement age (67) and the more costly pre-retirement arrangements. A rather robust percentage of about 1% of the labour force retired over the period 2013 to 2023 and there’s no proof that the ageing of the labour market caused a tightening of the labour market.

Female labour market participation

The female employment rate for those between 15 and 74 years old is 69% in 2024-Q2, which is the highest percentage in the EU-27. However, female citizens in the Netherlands who are originated from outside the EU-27 show a significant lower employment rate (54%). For example, refugees or spouses of expats. The high employment rate for women is not only sparked by the high educational attainment of women, but also by the abundantly available part-time work and the low taxes for part-time work. Expensive child-care arrangements and low marginal revenues of part-time work withholds a further increase in working hours.

Flexible work arrangements (related to e.g. working time, place of work or type of contract)

According to the international definition of part-time work in 2024-Q2 44% of the workers between 15 and 74 years of age work part-time. This is the highest proportion of the EU-27. The highest rank is also the case for males (25%) and females (65%) separately. The high flexibility of the Dutch labour market can also be expressed by the percentage of employees having a temporary contract. Again, the Netherlands is ranking the first place with 27%. Both unique features of the Dutch labour market have led to massive employment growth in the last decade but also raises questions about enduring job insecurity for vulnerable groups.

Immigration (from the EU, from third countries)

There’s an upward trend in the number of immigrants from third countries, both expats and refugees. For expats, it’s quite easy to receive a single permit when they exceed a monthly salary of 5 331 euro. A current fiscal arrangement also gives them a tax-free wage income of 30% during five years (although this will be slightly reduced to 27%). After five years of residence, about half of the expats leaves the country, although this percentage is decreasing. About 60% of the refugees from Ukraine are working, which is a very high percentage compared to other countries and compared to asylum seekers. However, few (23%) have found a job which matches with their qualification and their skills and many work for a private employment agency. A main reason for non-matching jobs is their bad Dutch language skills. Only a few asylum seekers are working (6%) and also those who already received an indefinite leave to remain, hardly participate on the labour market and in most cases receive social welfare. This is due to some viscous administrative regulations such as waiting lists for receiving a social insurance number and a necessary work permit for asylum seekers, but also because of mandatory rehousing and small financial incentives for people on social welfare to find and accept (low-income) work.

Insufficient number of jobseekers with the required skills

In UWV’s Employer’s Survey, employers with hard-to-fill vacancies were asked to give possible reasons for it. The result was that 59% of them responded that the required skills of the applicants were not sufficient enough. Also 47% responded a lack of professional knowledge of job applicants.

Remote work

The incidence of remote work has been gradually increasing in Netherlands between 2018 and 2023, from 14% to 12.7%. Similarly, the share of remote work as measured by ‘sometimes’ has increased from 21.7% to 39.2%. The increase in the incidence of remote work was exceptionally high during the pandemic.

^{Note: lfsa_ehomp, Product - Datasets - Eurostat}

Unemployment (e.g. long-term, youth, female, structural or low-skilled)

The unemployment rate is 3.6% in 2024-Q2, with hardly any gender differences. Youth unemployment is 8.4% and after Germany the lowest rate of EU-27. For citizens from outside the EU-27, the unemployment rate is 10.8%.

Workers with disabilities

In 2023 9% of the workers had a light handicap and another 3% had a severe handicap. Of these 1.1 million workers with a handicap 14% received a benefit.

North Netherlands

Go directly to Groningen | Friesland | Drenthe

The labour-market regions in the provinces of Groningen, Friesland and Drenthe together form the North Netherlands. The largest sectors in the North Netherlands, in terms of the number of jobs, are care and well-being (165 300, 22%), retail (85 200, 11%) and industry (83 900, 11%).

There is a greater concentration of educational institutions and public-sector bodies in the cities of Groningen, Leeuwarden and Assen.

Many people in municipalities on the German border commute to Germany. Outside of the cities, a relatively high number of employment opportunities can be found in industry, agriculture, construction and HORECA. Some of the employment opportunities in these sectors are seasonal.

There is a high number of employment agencies, although their role has diminished slightly over recent years. A relatively large number of small and medium-sized businesses operate from the North Netherlands.

In general, knowledge of English is good, especially in the cities. The city of Groningen is home to a large number of international students. People also speak a certain level of German, especially in the border areas of Groningen and Drenthe.

Vacancies

In 2024, 27 500 vacancies remain unfilled in the North Netherlands. The majority of the unfilled vacancies are for technical professions, particularly for worker qualification level 2. This refers to occupations such as machinists, production machine operators, electricians, car mechanics, plumbers and fitters. Many economic and administrative vacancies also remain unfilled. These vacancies are often for worker qualification level 2, such as production planners, transport planners, secretarial support, financial administrators and customer service representatives. In addition, many vacancies in the care and well-being sector in the North Netherlands remain unfilled. This concerns occupations such as carers (worker qualification level 2), nurses (worker qualification level 3) and doctors (worker qualification level 4). Many vacancies for commercial occupations also remain unfilled.

Vacancies for jobs involving many simple routine tasks (worker qualification level 1) can primarily be found in transport and logistics and in the service industry. This mainly refers to replenishment assistants, warehouse staff and cleaners.

Shortages

The labour market in the North Netherlands was tight in 2024. In the second quarter of 2024, this strain was felt most strongly in ICT and service industry occupations, and in professions in the care, public service and education sectors. There is an expectation that the number of insolvencies, redundancies and unemployment benefits will rise next year. This does not mean that staff shortages will disappear.

In sectors with major societal tasks in particular, the shortages are an ongoing problem. This mainly applies to care, education, the public sector, ICT and technology. These sectors have experienced shortages for many years. In the North Netherlands, this refers to occupations such as carers and nurses, primary school teachers, civil servants, developers and security specialists, mechanics and fitters. Staff in these sectors are scarce, irrespective of whether the economy is thriving or not.

Surpluses

Unemployment levels have reduced considerably in recent years. The Netherlands has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe. In the North Netherlands, the unemployment rate is around the national average at 4.0% in Groningen, 3.6% in Friesland and 3.1% in Drenthe.

The labour-force participation rate in the North Netherlands has risen dramatically in the last 10 years to 71.2% in 2023. There have never been so many people in employment. In the North Netherlands, the participation rate is somewhat lower than the national average. The labour-force participation levels for migrants, women, low-skilled workers and elderly people lag behind.

In mid-2024, a total of 111 300 jobseekers were registered with UWV (the Employee Insurance Agency) and municipalities in the North Netherlands. Most receive a social welfare benefit. Registered job seekers do not all have the same availability for work. Around 28% of them combine benefits with paid employment. The proportion of working people differs between the benefit types.

Looking at the different benefit groups, on average, those receiving unemployment benefit (15 900 people) have the best chance of finding work.

Groningen

With 596 075 inhabitants, Groningen represented about 3.3% of the population in Netherlands in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Groningen was 155.1% of the EU27 average, above the national average of 152.8%.

In 2023, more than 334 400 people were active in the labour market in Groningen. 41.8% had tertiary education, 38.9% had secondary education, and 18.9% had primary education. The employment rate in Groningen was 63.6 % in 2023, 2.5 percentage points lower than the national average in Netherlands and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 60.6%, men had an employment rate of 66.6%, and for the youth the employment rate was 71.8%, all below the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Groningen was 4.2% in 2023, in line with the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Friesland

With 659 551 inhabitants, Friesland represented about 3.7% of the population in Netherlands in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Friesland was 109.6% of the EU27 average, well below the national average of 152.8%.

In 2023, more than 361 400 people were active in the labour market in Friesland. 34.3% had tertiary education, 44.7% had secondary education, and 20.8% had primary education. The employment rate in Friesland was 63.6 % in 2023, 2.5 percentage points lower than the national average in Netherlands and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 60.1%, men had an employment rate of 67.1%, and for the youth the employment rate was 79.4%. The employment rates for women and men were below the national average, while the employment rate for the youth was above the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Friesland was 4% in 2023, in line with the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Drenthe

With 502 051 inhabitants, Drenthe represented about 2.8% of the population in Netherlands in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Drenthe was 104.2% of the EU27 average, well below the national average of 152.8%.

In 2023, more than 270 300 people were active in the labour market in Drenthe. 33.2% had tertiary education, 44.6% had secondary education, and 22.1% had primary education. The employment rate in Drenthe was 62.8 % in 2023, 3.3 percentage points lower than the national average in Netherlands and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 58.9%, men had an employment rate of 66.8%, and for the youth the employment rate was 80.4%. The employment rates for women and men were below the national average, while the employment rate for the youth was above the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Drenthe was 3.3% in 2023, in line with the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

East Netherlands

Go directly to Overijssel | Gelderland | Flevoland

The labour-market regions located in the provinces of Gelderland, Flevoland and Overijssel together form the East Netherlands.

The largest sectors in the East Netherlands, in terms of the number of jobs, are care and well-being (337 700, 18%), industry (215 300, 12%) and retail (207 300, 11%).

The region is also a logistical link between the Netherlands’ Randstad and Germany’s Ruhr conurbations. Many people commute across the German border. In general, knowledge of English is good, while command of German is also proficient in the border areas.

In addition, the employment opportunities in the border areas are largely dependent on the season. Seasonality does reduce the further west you go.

The East Netherlands hosts educational institutions offering various levels of training. The three universities each have their own specialisation in technology and innovation, healthcare, and internationalisation and social sciences. In addition, higher and secondary education are offered at several locations.

Vacancies

The majority of the vacancies in the East Netherlands are unfilled for technical occupations, predominantly at worker qualification level 2. This refers to occupations such as machinists, production machine operators, electricians, car mechanics, plumbers and fitters. Many vacancies for commercial business and administrative jobs remain unfilled. These are mainly at worker qualification level 2, such as production planners, transport planners, secretarial support, financial administrators and customer service representatives.

Vacancies for jobs involving simple routine tasks (worker qualification level 1) can primarily be found in service industries and in transport and logistics roles. This mainly refers to replenishment assistants, warehouse staff and cleaners.

Almost all vacancies for ICT and management occupations require worker qualification level 4 (higher vocational education and scientific/academic education).

Shortages

The labour market in the East Netherlands was very tight at the start of 2024. The strain was felt most strongly in ICT, service industry and educational occupations.

In sectors with major societal tasks in particular, the shortages are an ongoing problem. This mainly applies to care, education, the public sector, ICT and technology. These sectors have experienced shortages for many years. In the East Netherlands, this refers to occupations such as carers and nurses, primary school teachers, civil servants, developers and security specialists, mechanics and fitters.

Surpluses

The unemployment rate has fallen considerably in recent years and the Netherlands has one of the lowest employment rates in Europe.

In the East Netherlands, the unemployment rate was 3.3% in 2023.

The net labour-force participation rate is at a historic high of 73.8%. There have never been so many people in employment. This is mainly because of the huge unmet demand, which creates many opportunities for work. As a result, there are only small surpluses in the region.

In mid-2024, 209 100 people were registered as jobseekers with UWV (the Employee Insurance Agency) and municipalities in the East Netherlands. Of the various benefit groups, on average, those receiving unemployment benefits (33 500 people) have the best prospects of finding work: they can often be put to work immediately and have recent work experience.

A large proportion of the registered jobseekers are looking for administrative roles such as secretarial support,financial administrators or receptionists. They struggle more to find work because demand for these jobs is dwindling and/or limited.

Overijssel

With 1 184 333 inhabitants, Overijssel represented about 6.6% of the population in Netherlands in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Overijssel was 127.4% of the EU27 average, well below the national average of 152.8%.

In 2023, more than 676 300 people were active in the labour market in Overijssel. 35.8% had tertiary education, 43.6% had secondary education, and 20.1% had primary education. The employment rate in Overijssel was 67.3 % in 2023, 1.2 percentage points higher than the national average in Netherlands and 1.2 percentage points higher compared to 2022.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 63.4%, men had an employment rate of 71.2%, and for the youth the employment rate was 81.6%, all above the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Overijssel was 2.9% in 2023, in line with the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Gelderland

With 2 133 708 inhabitants, Gelderland represented about 12% of the population in Netherlands in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Gelderland was 127.1% of the EU27 average, well below the national average of 152.8%.

In 2023, more than 1 212 700 people were active in the labour market in Gelderland. 38.6% had tertiary education, 41% had secondary education, and 20.2% had primary education. The employment rate in Gelderland was 66.4 % in 2023, in line with the national average and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 62.1%, men had an employment rate of 70.7%, and for the youth the employment rate was 79.4%, all above the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Gelderland was 3.3% in 2023, in line with the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Flevoland

With 444 701 inhabitants, Flevoland represented about 2.5% of the population in Netherlands in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Flevoland was 111% of the EU27 average, well below the national average of 152.8%.

In 2023, more than 259 000 people were active in the labour market in Flevoland. 34.9% had tertiary education, 42.7% had secondary education, and 22.2% had primary education. The employment rate in Flevoland was 68.9 % in 2023, 2.8 percentage points higher than the national average in Netherlands and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 63.9%, men had an employment rate of 74%, and for the youth the employment rate was 72.9%. The employment rates for women and men were above the national average, while the employment rate for the youth was below the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Flevoland was 4.3% in 2023, in line with the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

West Netherlands

Go directly to Utrecht | North-Holland | South-Holland | Zeeland

The labour-market regions located in the provinces of North Holland, South Holland, Utrecht and Zeeland together form the West Netherlands.

The largest sectors in the West Netherlands, in terms of the number of employees’ jobs, are care and well-being (681 200, 15%), retail (441 500, 10%) and specialist business services (405 400, 9%).

The region encompasses, among others, the Randstad, where the country’s four largest cities (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht) are located. Due to the short distances between the cities, many people commute.

Locations of note include the Port of Rotterdam, the administrative centre of The Hague and, of course, the capital city, Amsterdam, which attracts a lot of tourists and is where many international head offices are located.

The West Netherlands hosts educational institutions offering various levels of training. Several universities in the large cities mentioned above, but also in Leiden and Delft, each have their own individual specialisation in technology and innovation, healthcare and society. In addition, higher and secondary education are offered at several locations.

Vacancies

In the West Netherlands, the majority of vacancies for technical occupations are unfilled, especially at worker qualification level 2. This refers to occupations such as machinists, production machine operators, electricians, car mechanics, plumbers and fitters. Many vacancies for commercial business and administrative jobs remain unfilled. These are mainly at worker qualification level 2, such as production planners, transport planners, secretarial support, financial administrators and customer service representatives.

In the West Netherlands, there are almost as many unfilled vacancies at worker qualification level 4. These are vacancies for ICT and management occupations, but also administrative professions such as accountants and organisation consultants.

Vacancies for jobs involving simple routine tasks (worker qualification level 1) can primarily be found in service industries and in transport and logistics roles. This mainly refers to replenishment assistants, warehouse staff and cleaners.

Shortages

The labour market in the West Netherlands was very tight at the start of 2024. The strain was felt most strongly in ICT, service industry and educational occupations.

In sectors with major societal tasks in particular, the shortages are an ongoing problem. This mainly applies to care, education, the public sector, ICT and technology. These sectors have experienced shortages for many years. In the West Netherlands, this refers to occupations such as carers and nurses, primary school teachers, civil servants, developers and security specialists, mechanics and fitters.

Surpluses

The unemployment rate has fallen considerably in recent years and the Netherlands has one of the lowest employment rates in Europe.

In the West Netherlands, the unemployment rate in 2023 in the four largest cities was slightly higher than the national average at 3.6%, while the rate in the surrounding regions was slightly lower.

The labour-force participation rate in the different regions is also at a historic high and is above the national average of 73.1% almost everywhere. There have never been so many people in employment. This is mainly because of the huge unmet demand, which creates many opportunities for work. As a result, there are only small surpluses in the region.

In mid-2024, there were 420 000 registered jobseekers with UWV (Employment Benefits Agency) and municipalities in the West Netherlands. Of the various benefit groups, those receiving unemployment benefits (69 800 people) have the best prospects of finding work: they can often be put to work immediately and have recent work experience.

A large proportion of the registered jobseekers are looking for administrative roles such as secretarial support,

financial administrators or receptionists. They struggle more to find work because demand for these jobs is dwindling and/or limited.

Utrecht

With 1 387 643 inhabitants, Utrecht represented about 7.8% of the population in Netherlands in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Utrecht was 186.4% of the EU27 average, well above the national average of 152.8%.

In 2023, more than 819 400 people were active in the labour market in Utrecht. 51.4% had tertiary education, 30.8% had secondary education, and 17.4% had primary education. The employment rate in Utrecht was 69.7 % in 2023, 3.6 percentage points higher than the national average in Netherlands and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 63.8%, men had an employment rate of 75.7%, and for the youth the employment rate was 76.7%, all above the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Utrecht was 3.3% in 2023, in line with the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

North Holland

With 2 952 622 inhabitants, North Holland represented about 16.6% of the population in Netherlands in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in North Holland was 196.3% of the EU27 average, well above the national average of 152.8%.

In 2023, more than 1 725 200 people were active in the labour market in North Holland. 46.4% had tertiary education, 33.3% had secondary education, and 19.8% had primary education. The employment rate in North Holland was 67.3 % in 2023, 1.2 percentage points higher than the national average in Netherlands and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 63.3%, men had an employment rate of 71.4%, and for the youth the employment rate was 74.8%. The employment rates for women and men were above the national average, while the employment rate for the youth was below the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in North Holland was 3.8% in 2023, in line with the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

South Holland (Zuid-Holland)

With 3 804 906 inhabitants, South Holland represented about 21.4% of the population in Netherlands in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in South Holland was 148.6% of the EU27 average, below the national average of 152.8%.

In 2023, more than 2 156 700 people were active in the labour market in South Holland. 41.6% had tertiary education, 37.2% had secondary education, and 20.7% had primary education. The employment rate in South Holland was 66 % in 2023, in line with the national average and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 61.2%, men had an employment rate of 70.8%, and for the youth the employment rate was 72.3%. The employment rates for women and the youth were below the national average, while the employment rate for men was above the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in South Holland was 4% in 2023, in line with the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Zeeland

With 391 124 inhabitants, Zeeland represented about 2.2% of the population in Netherlands in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Zeeland was 129.7% of the EU27 average, well below the national average of 152.8%.

In 2023, more than 211 000 people were active in the labour market in Zeeland. 28.7% had tertiary education, 46% had secondary education, and 25.1% had primary education. The employment rate in Zeeland was 63.6 % in 2023, 2.5 percentage points lower than the national average in Netherlands and 1.3 percentage points higher compared to 2022.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 56.8%, men had an employment rate of 70.5%, and for the youth the employment rate was 82.2%. The employment rates for women and men were below the national average, while the employment rate for the youth was above the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Zeeland was 2.1% in 2023, 1.4 points lower than the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

South Netherlands

Go directly to North-Brabant | Limburg

The labour-market regions in the provinces of North Brabant and Limburg together form the South Netherlands.

The largest sectors in the South Netherlands, in terms of the number of jobs, are care and well-being (315 800, 16%), industry (271 900, 14%) and retail (201 900, 10%).

Employment opportunities in the province of Limburg are highly dependent on the season. South Limburg in particular has the reputation of a tourist destination. In the urban centres, there is a heavy concentration of companies and institutions engaged in public services and care. The city of Eindhoven has a concentration of innovation and technical development. Logistics and transport companies are primarily located in western and central Brabant.

In the South Netherlands, there is a high level of cross-border commuting with both Belgium and Germany. In general, knowledge of English is good, while command of German is also proficient in the border areas.

The South Netherlands hosts educational institutions offering various levels of training. The three universities each have their own specialisation in technology and innovation, healthcare, and internationalisation and social sciences. In addition, higher and secondary education are offered at several locations.

Vacancies

In the South Netherlands, the majority of vacancies for technical occupations are unfilled, especially at worker qualification level 2. This refers to occupations such as machinists, production machine operators, electricians, car mechanics, plumbers and fitters. Many vacancies for commercial business and administrative jobs remain unfilled. These are mainly at worker qualification level 2, such as production planners, transport planners, secretarial support, financial administrators and customer service representatives.

Vacancies for jobs involving simple routine tasks (worker qualification level 1) can primarily be found in service industries and in transport and logistics roles. This mainly refers to replenishment assistants, warehouse staff and cleaners.

Almost all vacancies for ICT and management occupations require worker qualification level 4 (higher vocational education and scientific/academic education).

Shortages

The labour market in the southern part of the Netherlands was very tight at the start of 2024. The strain was felt most strongly in ICT and service industry occupations and professions in care and well-being.

In sectors with major societal tasks in particular, the shortages are an ongoing problem. This mainly applies to care, education, the public sector, ICT and technology. These sectors have experienced shortages for many years. In the South Netherlands, this refers to occupations such as carers and nurses, primary school teachers, civil servants, developers and security specialists, mechanics and fitters.

Surpluses

The unemployment rate has fallen considerably in recent years and the Netherlands has one of the lowest employment rates in Europe.

In the South Netherlands, the unemployment rate in 2023 was 3.3%.

The labour-force participation rate in the region is at a historic high of 72.4%. There have never been so many people in employment. This is mainly because of the huge unmet demand, which creates many opportunities for work. As a result, there are only small surpluses in the region.

In mid-2024, 204 000 jobseekers were registered with UWV (the Employee Insurance Agency) and municipalities in the South Netherlands. Of the various benefit groups, on average, those receiving unemployment benefit (38 800 people) have the best prospects of finding work: they can often be put to work immediately and have recent work experience.

A large proportion of the registered jobseekers are looking for administrative roles such as secretarial support, financial administrators or receptionists. They struggle more to find work because demand for these jobs is dwindling and/or limited.

North Brabant (Noord-Brabant)

With 2 626 210 inhabitants, North Brabant represented about 14.7% of the population in Netherlands in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in North Brabant was 155.1% of the EU27 average, above the national average of 152.8%.

In 2023, more than 1 510 000 people were active in the labour market in North Brabant. 39.1% had tertiary education, 38% had secondary education, and 22.5% had primary education. The employment rate in North Brabant was 66.6 % in 2023, in line with the national average and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 62.2%, men had an employment rate of 71%, and for the youth the employment rate was 79.9%, all above the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in North Brabant was 3.2% in 2023, in line with the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}