Men becoming less economically independent; Women flat

Men became less economically independent during the crisis. Last year 65 percent of men between the ages of 15 and 65 had work that paid an income at the minimum benefit level, compared to 70 percent in 2007. Among women, economic independence remained at mostly the same level. This is according to figures released by Statistics Netherlands on Tuesday. The share of economically independent women increased considerably between 2005 and 2008 - from 42 to 47 percent. Since 2008 it has increased only very slightly to 48 percent last year. Men's ability to support themselves financially is more dependent on the economy, because they are more likely to work in sectors that are sensitive to economic developments, according to Statistics Netherlands. All in all, the proportion of economically independent people in the Netherlands increased from 55 percent in 2004 to 57 percent in 2014. The gap between economically independent men and women decreased even further over the past 10 years. This can partly be attributed to more women starting work and working longer hours. More mothers also kept working the same hours after their first child. Since the crisis, the gap primarily closed due to the decreased employment rate among men.