In the second quarter of 2023, 36% of unemployed individuals in Belgium found employment a year later, according to new data released by Belgian statistical agency Statbel.
The report offers a snapshot of the employment market over the past year, showing that while a third of job seekers successfully transitioned into employment, another third remained unemployed, and a notable 27.8% became inactive.
The total number of unemployed individuals during the second quarter of 2023 stood at 284,000. Of this group, 103,000 found jobs by the same time in 2024, while 102,000 remained unemployed.
A further 79,000 people, or 27.8%, transitioned into inactivity—meaning they were no longer seeking employment or were unavailable for work within a two-week period. The “inactive” category includes individuals who, for various reasons, have exited the labor force, either by choice or circumstance.
Job Market Trends: A Rebound in 2023
The figures also indicate a rebound in job market conditions. Between mid-2021 and the end of 2022, job seekers in Belgium faced increasing difficulties in securing employment, with fewer transitions from unemployment to employment during that period.
However, since the start of 2023, the data suggests this trend has begun to reverse, pointing to a more favorable employment landscape for those seeking jobs.
Statbel highlighted that despite persistent challenges, the rate of people moving from unemployment to employment has improved.
This shift in the job market may be attributed to several factors, including a recovering economy, government efforts to bolster employment, and sector-specific growth.
However, Statbel’s figures also underscore persistent difficulties for a significant portion of job seekers, many of whom continue to struggle in the labor market.
Regional Disparities Exposed
The data revealed sharp regional disparities in unemployment outcomes. In Flanders, a relatively lower proportion of job seekers remained unemployed one year later.
Of the Flemish job seekers from the second quarter of 2023, 27.3% were still without work by the same time in 2024.
In stark contrast, Brussels fared the worst, with 51.6% of job seekers still unemployed after one year. Wallonia’s figures were somewhat more optimistic but still concerning, with 34.9% of job seekers remaining without employment after a year.
These regional differences reflect the varying economic conditions, labor market opportunities, and policy approaches across Belgium’s regions.
Flanders, known for its robust economy and lower unemployment rates, continues to outperform the capital and southern regions.
In contrast, Brussels and Wallonia, which have historically faced higher unemployment rates, show less encouraging figures, with over half of Brussels’ job seekers failing to secure employment within a year.
Inactivity: A Persistent Issue
One of the more troubling aspects of Statbel’s report is the high level of inactivity. Of the 3.44 million people classified as inactive in the second quarter of 2023, 89.7%—or 3.09 million—remained in the same status a year later.
This data highlights the persistent challenges faced by individuals who have left the workforce, either voluntarily or involuntarily, and who are not actively seeking employment.
Belgium’s labor market, while showing signs of recovery, still faces significant challenges, particularly in addressing the high rates of long-term unemployment and inactivity, and the regional disparities that continue to affect its overall employment landscape.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
