Strong decline in unemployment

2 April 2007

BRUSSELS – Unemployment in Belgium has fallen sharply according to the annual report from the National Employment Office (RVA). Unemployment decreased by a record 2 percent.

Fewer people are receiving unemployment benefits from the RVA in Flanders in particular. This is the result of strong economic growth and better advising to the unemployed.

The RVA is still issuing the same number of benefits however. About 1.2 million people were granted benefits last year – the same number as in 2005.

This is due to the fact that more people are getting financial assistance while stopping work temporarily to focus on their family or other matters. The number of people choosing to interrupt their careers temporarily has continued to increase dramatically, by 8 percent last year.

Subject: Belgian news