Netherlands needs more migrant workers due to large scale staff shortages: UWV

The labor market in the Netherlands currently has more vacancies than job seekers, and this imbalance could worsen in the upcoming years, according to the benefits agency UWV, Nu.nl reported on Wednesday. To address this shortage, the agency believes all solutions should be explored, including the employment of more migrant workers.

If not addressed, staff shortages could increase even more. "We have recently seen the consequences of this," said Nathalie van Berkel, a board member at the UWV. "There are fewer trains running, many places have longer waiting times, and the hospitality industry often closes." She warned that projects like the energy transition and the construction of hundreds of thousands of homes could face delays if the shortage is not tackled.

Traditionally, the Netherlands has seen growth in its working population. However, due to an aging demographic, the country is expected to experience a decline by the end of this decade. Van Berkel noted that there are opportunities, such as technology investments. As an example, she pointed out how self-scan checkouts in supermarkets can help reduce the need for staff while still maintaining roles to assist customers and handle queries.

Another approach could be encouraging part-timers to work longer hours. However, Van Berkel emphasized the need for the right "preconditions," like quality childcare and ample opportunities to work from home. When hiring new staff, she advocated for companies to focus on skills rather than just formal qualifications.

Van Berkel also highlighted the potential of employing more labor migrants from within the EU. This proposition, however, is politically sensitive, Nu.nl noted. A proposal by Minister of Social Affairs and Employment Karien van Gennip last year to hire young individuals from France and Spain met with criticism, especially from right-wing parties.

Despite this sensitivity, the UWV perceives this as a potential remedy. "We need everyon we can get in the labor market," Van Berkel emphasized. She noted that while the Netherlands has shortages in certain sectors, other EU nations have excess labor, particularly in construction, retail, and child care.

"We need to view labor migration in a broader context,” Van Berkel said, adding this was ultimately a “political decision.” “But it's a discussion we cannot afford to avoid, including about labor migration from outside Europe," she concluded.