In the period May to June, the number of registered unemployed averaged 160 thousand. In the last six months unemployment went up by approximately six thousand a month, according to the most recent figures by Statistics Netherlands.
Monthly rise unemployment approximately six thousand
In the period May to July 2002, the number of registered unemployed
averaged 160 thousand. Seasonal effects usually push back unemployment figures at this time of year. After elimination of these effects, the number of registered unemployed was 174 thousand.
Although six thousand lower than in the period April to June, the figure is still higher than in the months previous to this period. The unemployment figures are based on a sample survey and consequently subject to a certain margin of error. The decrease is within that margin, hence there is no indication of a change in the current trend.
Unemployment figures are best considered over a longer period of time. Compared with three months ago, the number of unemployed is 11 thousand higher, compared with six months ago even 38 thousand higher, so the trend is upward and averages approximately six thousand a month.
(source: Statistics Netherlands)
