Unemployment figures rose in 2013

Belgium’s unemployment figures rose in 2013, the first time in two years. The jobless figures had previously been dropping since the end of 2010. At the end of last year there were 432,484 people out of work claiming unemployment benefits. In 2011, unemployment fell 3.7%, followed by another 1% drop in 2012.

The biggest increase in unemployment was seen in Flanders where the numbers now have 6.8% more people looking for work than in 2012. Wallonia and Brussels also saw a rise of 2.3% and 0.6% over the previous year. 

The rise in unemployment also reflects the increasing difficulty young people are facing in the job market. Youth unemployment gained 4.8% for those under 25, while those between 25-50 saw a 3.7% increase.