For the first time since 2022, unemployment rises by 13,000 while vacancies fall.
The Dutch labor market has reached a historic turning point, with more unemployed than available vacancies for the first time in four years. According to new UWV figures, the number of vacancies in Q3 2025 decreased by 2,000, while unemployment rose by 13,000 people. This shift marks the end of years of labor market tightness and signals a fundamental change in the balance of power.
The turnaround is primarily driven by AI-led restructurings and a cooling economy after years of excessive growth. Large employers like insurer Achmea have already announced that artificial intelligence will lead to job losses, with CEO Bianca Tetteroo openly speaking of an 'efficiency drive'. Experts estimate that at least 8 percent of all Dutch jobs will disappear due to AI automation, with a million employees potentially unable to retrain.
For job seekers, this means a drastically different reality where networking and specific skills become more crucial than ever. Non-EU tech workers have been reporting extreme competition for months, with some sending over 200 applications for only 2 interviews. The 'ghost jobs' phenomenon — vacancies that never lead to appointments — is spreading further across all sectors, causing traditional application strategies to fail.
Despite the general downturn, the hospitality sector remains optimistic, with expectations of strong job growth in Q2 2026. Dutch inland ports also show resilience with 93,000 stable jobs and €13.2 billion in added value, while acquisitions such as Damm Deurentechniek by EMI Group create new employment opportunities in smaller cities.
Non-EU tech workers reveal the true state of the Dutch tech labor market.
A viral thread on r/thenetherlands exposes the real frustrations of international job seekers.
First concrete figures show how artificial intelligence is putting pressure on Dutch salaries.
Concrete tactics based on what truly works in the current Dutch labor market.
Tech salaries dropped 8% due to AI automation pressure, hospitality rises 12%