Randstad Nederland is still concerned about pressure on the Dutch labor market

Randstad Nederland CEO Jeroen Tiel is "very intrigued" about the government program that the new Cabinet is expected to present in September because he is concerned about the continuous struggle of the Dutch labor market. According to Tiel, the Coalition agreement of the new Cabinet did not give much information about a possible solution for this.

"It may even become a little bit harder for employers to find staff," Tiel said. "The available labor potential does not always connect to the market's needs." This is why labor migration remains an essential factor in controlling the unemployment rate.

Given that the Coalition agreement refers to the "most comprehensive package for control over migration ever," Tiel is very curious about what concrete plans will be released in September.

The number of open vacancies has risen again in the Netherlands in the last few months. According to Randstad Nederland, there are 444,000 vacancies, while there were around 400,000 last year. "We see this a lot when it comes to the summer season, especially in the catering industry," labor market expert Bart van Krimpen of Randstad Nederland explained.

Yet, at the same time, the aging population is putting more pressure on the labor market. The number of people over 65 is steadily increasing compared to the number of 20 to 65-year-olds.

The demand for new staff is increasing, but the Central Planning Bureau predicts that unemployment will also rise in the coming years. "It has become a bit more complex and fundamental to recognize the economic cycle," said Tiel.

Randstad Nederland also sees structural scarcity in several fields. This is especially the case in machine assembly, where there is almost eight times as much demand for labor as there is supply.

Other professions with a shortage are work planners, engineers, nurses, and managers in industry and construction. "Many professions that are struggling are at secondary vocational education (MBO) level 4," says Van Krimpen.

According to Tiel, we will "certainly feel the pain in the future" in this aspect.