ASML responsible for 3% of total job growth in greater Eindhoven region

Chipmaker ASML is leading the way in job growth in the Netherlands, particularly around Eindhoven and the entire southeastern area of Noord-Brabant. A recent report from the employee insurance agency UWV projects a nearly 3 percent increase in employment in the area by the end of next year, driven by the expansion of ASML, headquartered in Veldhoven, and its suppliers.

While this growth presents opportunities, it raises concerns about the availability of qualified workers. Southeastern region of Noord-Brabantis already among the regions with the tightest labor markets, featuring at least five times as many job vacancies as short-term unemployed individuals, according to UWV metrics. Only central Utrecht and Gorinchem have tighter labor markets.

UWV labor market advisor Suzanne IJzerman noted the unusual nature of this growth, especially as most other regions in the industrial sector are expected to see job declines next year. "This is largely linked to ASML and its suppliers," IJzerman stated. "The entire supply chain is strongly present, including legal and other business services."

In contrast, southern part of Limburg is facing a projected 2% decline in jobs over three years due to the closure of the VDL Nedcar auto manufacturing plant in Born. IJzerman emphasized that job losses in a region have become rare in recent years. The aging population in Limburg further complicates the situation, decreasing the need for workers in sectors like education and retail.

Zeeland, similarly impacted by an aging demographic, still experiences a demand for labor driven by tourism. This has resulted in a "very tight" labor market, defined as having at least four times as many job openings as short-term unemployed individuals.

Overall, many regions in the Netherlands continue to face a tight labor market, especially around the Randstad area. "In most regions, the labor market tightness has eased slightly compared to last year, but it remains very high," IJzerman reported.