Number of Brussels jobseekers rises by 4% in a year

The unemployment rate in Brussels has increased by 1,468 people - or 4% - compared to October 2024, according to new figures from the region's employment agency Actiris.

The total unemployment rate now stands at 15.3%, with 96,161 residents in Brussels seeking work.

Over the course of October, more than 11,564 people became unemployed, while 10,078 found employment. Actiris reports a 1% increase in the number of jobseekers eligible for benefits within the unemployed population, and a 2.4% rise in the number of young people applying for integration time.

Almost one fifth of jobseekers are registered at the Public Centres for Social Welfare (CPAS), representing an increase of over 15% compared to last year.

Although low-skilled jobseekers make up 59% of the unemployed population, a significant proportion of unemployed Brussels residents are highly educated. One fifth of jobseekers hold a higher education diploma, and another fifth hold a secondary education diploma.

There is little difference between the numbers of unemployed women and men - 52% of jobseekers are men, while 48% are women. The total increase spans almost all age groups, but is greatest among those younger than 25 at 6.1%.

Despite the increase in unemployed residents, stricter social benefit rules are being enforced in Belgium after this year’s Summer Agreement.

This month, the National Employment Office (ONEM) has sent a third round of letters reminding long-term jobseekers that their unemployment benefits will end as of April 2026.