Flanders’ unemployment rate increased to 7% in August, up from 6.7% a year ago, marking the highest level since September 2020.
By the end of August, the region reported 224,795 job seekers—a 5% rise compared to the same period last year. Over half (52%) of these job seekers receive or have applied for unemployment benefits. Meanwhile, 40% are individuals who were previously economically inactive, and 7% are young people in their professional integration period.
The public employment agency VDAB noted that summertime traditionally sees a spike in unemployment figures. This is largely driven by an influx of school leavers entering the job market in search of work.
Since 2023, the unemployment rate in Flanders has been on a steady upward trend. This increase is primarily attributed to a significant number of previously inactive individuals now seeking jobs.
However, the unemployment rate among those currently receiving benefits and young people in professional integration remained largely stable, at 4.2% this August compared to 4.1% last year. According to VDAB, this indicates no substantial rise in unemployment within these specific groups.
