nuOct 26, 2026, 14:37

Job growth strongest in construction, healthcare and government in recent years

Recent employment growth in the Netherlands has been strongest within the construction, healthcare, and government sectors. These industries have expanded due to major infrastructure projects, rising demand for nursing care, and increased public sector investments in housing and security.

The construction sector in the Netherlands experienced a 10 percent increase in employee positions between March 2022 and March 2024, reaching 364,000 jobs. This growth is driven by major infrastructure projects, including new housing and maintenance of roads and energy networks. While self-employment also remains prominent, future growth estimates are tempered by potential energy price instability related to geopolitical conflicts. Meanwhile, the healthcare sector saw a 6 percent rise in employment, reaching 1.3 million jobs by early 2026, with the nursing and home care branches showing the strongest outlook.

Government employment has expanded even faster, growing by 19 percent to approximately 673,000 positions. This increase is attributed to high demand for public services, such as residential construction, energy transition efforts, and the implementation of new environmental laws. Furthermore, the government has seen a significant rise in ICT-related roles and defense personnel due to increased security investments.

Economy Business Netherlands

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Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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