Welfare cases in Rotterdam continue to decline

Welfare cases in Rotterdam continue to decline

ROTTERDAM, 10 October 2024 – Fewer residents in Rotterdam are receiving welfare benefits, in contrast to the national trend. Recent municipal figures show a notable decline in the city's welfare cases, reflecting an ongoing effort to connect people with work.

Welfare cases in Rotterdam drop despite national increase

Rotterdam is witnessing a steady decrease in the number of residents relying on welfare benefits, defying a national trend of rising welfare dependency. Recent municipal data indicates that as of today, 32,276 households in Rotterdam are receiving benefits, marking the lowest figure since these records began.

This decline is notable given that, according to the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), welfare numbers across the Netherlands have been rising after years of gradual decline. In 2023, Rotterdam also saw a stagnation in the decrease of welfare recipients, but since then, a sharp reduction has been observed. Despite this progress, Rotterdam still has the highest welfare dependency ratio in the country, with over 60 out of every 1,000 residents receiving benefits, while most other municipalities report figures between 10 and 15.

Rotterdam's employment strategy

Alderman Tim Versnel, responsible for Work and Income (Werk & Inkomen), commented on the situation, stating: “These figures give us confidence in our Rotterdam approach. We do not see people on welfare as victims, but as individuals with skills. We work closely with local employers who increasingly recognise the potential of this group.” Versnel added that the city's efforts aim not only to benefit the economy but also the individuals involved. He emphasised that employment offers a better income, social connections, and a positive outlook, which should become the norm in Rotterdam.

Workstation Zuid expands to new districts

One of the city's key initiatives in tackling unemployment is the ‘Workstation Zuid’. This facility provides job seekers with intensive support, helping them manage their personal situation and directly connecting them with employers. Following a successful trial phase, the services offered by Workstation Zuid are being expanded. In addition to residents of Feijenoord, people from Charlois are now also eligible for support, with IJsselmonde being added from January. This extension is a critical move, as around 13,000 residents of Zuid currently receive welfare benefits.

Enhanced support for new welfare applicants

Those who have recently applied for welfare now stand a better chance of securing employment. The municipality has introduced an intensive six-month support programme for new job seekers. This initiative involves weekly, face-to-face meetings with a job coach, providing personalised guidance. Examples of support include accompanying applicants to job interviews or helping them find training opportunities in high-demand sectors.

Support for employers

In addition to assisting job seekers, the municipality is encouraging businesses to adopt a broader view of potential candidates. The Rijnmond Labour Market Perspective Fund (RAP) is one such initiative aimed at stimulating employment in critical sectors such as engineering, healthcare, and childcare. Over the past year, the fund has co-financed 18 initiatives, resulting in 854 jobs and training positions. Companies can still apply for the current round of funding until the end of October.

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