Despite the uptick in unemployment, employment levels also showed modest growth, rising by an average of 1,000 people per month over the same period. The data reflects a dynamic labour market, where inflows into unemployment slightly outpaced those finding work, CBS said in a press release.
Unemployment in the Netherlands stood at 4.1 per cent in February 2026, with 416,000 people jobless, rising modestly in recent months.
Employment also grew slightly, though inflows into unemployment outpaced job gains.
Unemployment benefits remained stable at around 205,500.
Regional increases were widespread, while labour flows showed more people entering unemployment than securing work.
The Employee Insurance Agency (UWV) reported 205,500 active unemployment benefits at the end of February, marking a marginal monthly decline of 0.1 per cent. During the month, 22,200 new claims were approved, while 22,400 benefits were terminated, keeping the total broadly stable above 200,000.
Regional trends indicated a rise in unemployment benefits across most areas compared to a year earlier. Only Groningen and Drenthe recorded declines, while sharper increases were seen in Zuid-Holland Centraal, Haaglanden, and Gorinchem, each posting double-digit growth.
CBS data also showed that 3.2 million people remained outside the labour force, including retirees and those unable to work, although this number declined slightly over recent months.
Labour market flows highlighted underlying pressures, with more people becoming unemployed than securing jobs. While 146,000 unemployed individuals found work in February, 121,000 people lost jobs and 136,000 previously inactive individuals entered the labour market, contributing to the rise in unemployment.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)
