Labour market

According to the most recent figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS), there were 97 job openings for every 100 unemployed people at the end of 2025. This is much lower than the peak of 142 in spring 2022, but well above a long-term average prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (32 vacancies for every 100 unemployed people). A Statistics Netherlands survey among employers reveals that the most acute staff shortages remain in the transport sector and in business services such as security, cleaning and temporary staffing. More than half of companies in these sectors regularly struggle with staff shortages. 

Why is it so difficult to find staff?

One of the key reasons is that most people in the Netherlands who are able and willing to work are already doing so. Compared to other countries in Europe, the labour participation rate in the Netherlands is high. As at the end of 2025, over 76% of people aged 15-74 were either working or actively looking for work. This is a new record. Among people aged 25-65 this percentage was even higher, at 90%. This means there are relatively few people available who are not currently working and who are immediately available to fill a vacancy. In addition, population ageing plays a role. An increasing proportion of the population is reaching retirement age, while the proportion of younger people who are able to work is decreasing. As a result, the growth of potential labour supply is slowing down.

Brake on economic growth

The ongoing tightness in the labour market has several implications for the economy. Companies and organisations struggle to carry out their operations, which can lead to longer waiting times (healthcare) or delays (construction, installation of heat pumps or solar panels). Labour market tightness can also put a brake on economic growth by preventing companies from expanding production. Workers in a tight labour market often have stronger bargaining power, which may lead to higher wages. 

No cut-and-dried solution

We cannot easily increase the number of people employed or the hours they work, but we can try to reduce the demand for labour, for example by learning to work more efficiently, increasing productivity or ceasing to perform certain tasks. Investing in technology, innovation, and developing workers' knowledge and skills are essential in this respect. Organising work processes and using technological innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI) and robots in a smarter way can also help to perform tasks more efficiently, reducing the need for additional staff.