Increase in number of government vacancies Enjoy the Holiday Season at Gelderlandplein

Increase in number of government vacancies

In recent years, the government has grown considerably, becoming one of the largest growers of the Dutch economy, increasing its number of employees by 9% since 2019. This situation represents an increase of approximately 50,000 jobs compared to 2019, to a total of roughly 570,000 government jobs by March 2022.

What is the reason for this growth? According to the UWV, it is mainly due to the increase in the number of government tasks and the financial opportunity to hire more staff. And this situation is affecting almost every branch of the government. For example, the Defense organization grew in personnel thanks to extra financial resources from the government. Also, municipalities have increased their workforce after being given more work and new tasks to perform. Furthermore, replacing civil servants who retire represents a boost in government labour demand. Approximately 27% of employees are over 55, more than in other sectors. After a record number of vacancies in 2022, it is estimated that by 2023, the number will likely increase further.

The government’s financial scope and size depend on economic and political decisions. After the 2008 credit crisis, there was a considerable decrease in the number of government jobs due to reforms and budget cuts for years, which meant fewer vacancies. According to Stef Molleman, labour market advisor at the UWV, this changed in 2016, when municipalities, provinces and water boards started receiving larger budgets and new tasks due to changes in the care sector, the energy transition and climate change, as well as challenges like the Covid crisis, which increased employment.

Minimum education Professions that require at least a higher education level have grown significantly. Many jobs require HBO level at minimum, particularly as work in government has become more complex, and therefore the need for highly educated staff is rising. “Not only are jobs being created, existing positions are also changing in terms of content and becoming more comprehensive, requiring more and different knowledge and skills. Causes of this include digitization or changed laws and regulations, but also newly assigned tasks for positions,” says Stef Molleman, labour market specialist at UWV. Which vacancies are there to fill? The majority of openings consist of ICT professionals, policy advisers, spatial planning specialists, structural engineers, HR specialists, security personnel, lawyers and financial specialists.

Labour market competition The fact that a higher education level is needed in government means an increase in labour market competition between different business sectors. UWV estimates that for now, and in the coming years, the government must compete with other market sectors to bring in new talent with professions that are scarce nationally. Molleman says: “It is a pond of specialist professions in which both companies and the government fish.”

The problem of automation Only in administrative and accounting jobs is the number of vacancies declining. The enemy of administrative and accounting positions has become automation, not by replacement but by increasing productivity. Automating tasks means that the same amount of people can do more, thus decreasing the need to hire more staff in these fields.

Bas ter Weel, general director of SEO Economic Research and professor of economics at the University of Amsterdam, explains this idea further: “You see the same thing in healthcare: every new gadget leads to higher demand. Which wishes do we fulfill and which do we not? That’s what the discussion should be about.” Ter Weel analyses the need to find a new balance when requiring the same number of people to do more tasks. Eventually, this situation could lead to a more significant tightness in the labour market. The peak in the ageing of the Dutch population, which is yet to come, should also be considered – this will further constrain the labour market.

Written by Bárbara Luque Alanís

Enjoy the Holiday Season at Gelderlandplein!

Looking for the perfect outfit or gift for the Holiday Season? Do you want to get in the mood for Christmas with the famous Winter Parade? Or do you just want to go for lunch, dinner or grab a coffee? Check out shopping mall Gelderlandplein close to Amsterdam’s Zuidas business district in Amsterdam South. The modern and sleek shopping mall with international allure is home to over 90 shops and restaurants and various art pieces by world famous artists.

Gelderlandplein is a place where you can get anything from your daily shopping to luxury items. Check the website for the upcoming Holiday events.

Fashion, food and more Gelderlandplein houses a variety of shops. There is a great mix of local, national and international shops, ranging from high street to high end brands. If you are looking to treat yourself or find that special gift you might want to check out Siebel jewellery or the recently renewed Rituals. At Skins Cosmetics you can discover their carefully curated collection of refined, exclusive perfumes and beauty brands.

Or get inspired by all the latest trends in living and interior design at Total4Living, Riviera Maison, Sissy Boy and Bröring.

You might find that perfect outfit you have been looking for at Pauw, Modehuis Blok, Bronwasser Woman, Cotton Club, Rogge Amsterdam, Costes, Mango, Rick Moorman House of Men, Maestro Men’s Dresscode or many of the other fashion shops. And your new favourite shoes at Zwartjes 1883, Van den Assem, Nelson or Ecco. Gelderlandplein are a continuous exhibition of art pieces by Erwin Wurm, KAWS and Joel Morrison.

Just like within the mall, the outside structure of Gelderlandplein also accommodates many restaurants and terraces. Whether you’re in the mood for French (Bistro G.P. by George), the best seafood (Mr. Crab), Italian (Gusto di Casto), quick food (Febo and Tjin’s) or delicious artisanal bread (Le Pain Quotidien) you will find a hearty meal and a place where you can catch up with your friends or just enjoy a drink, a real Dutch ‘borrel’ at one of the restaurants.

Asian cuisine lovers will enjoy the hip Vietnamese restaurant Saigon Càphê, Japanese Izakaya Tanuki or Japanese and Korean food market Shilla which also offers lunch options. For Asian tapas try Ruby’s Oriental Restaurant. Delicious!

If you need more time to explore the mall, you could elongate your experience by staying at Hotel Element Amsterdam.

Gelderlandplein wants you to have a great experience, therefore the centre is open seven days a week, and you can park up to 2.5 hours for free. Gelderlandplein even offers a free bus service that takes you to and from the shopping mall to the Zuidas and station Zuid. With the possibility for endless shopping, breakfast, lunch, drinks or dinner, you’ll love Gelderlandplein!

Gelderlandplein is open 7 days a week. Monday 12.00-18.00 hours Tuesday till Saturday 09.30-18.00 hours Sunday 12.00-17.00 hours Gelderlandplein Van Leijenberghlaan 43 1082 GC Amsterdam

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