Unemployment Benefit Recipients in Belgium Drop Sharply, Shift to Social Assistance Grows

Unemployment benefit recipients in Belgium declined sharply due to policy changes enacted. July saw fewer recipients, but total registered unemployed actually increased this month.

Many moved from unemployment benefits to public social assistance, statistics clearly confirm.

A substantial portion of registered jobseekers rely on social support for financial aid. Young people experienced a notable rise in unemployment, drawing officials' special attention nationally.

Those unemployed for more than two years saw their numbers decrease slightly instead. Unemployment rates for men and women remained almost equal across Belgian labor market.