Untapped labour potential is keen to work in healthcare and education

Almost half are willing to work below their level

Amsterdam, 18 October 2021: The very sectors facing a desperate staff shortage right now turn out to be attractive to the Netherlands' untapped labour potential. This group names healthcare (23%) and education (18%) as the industries where they would most like to work (more hours). This is shown by research by Pro Contact, in which a total of 508 Dutch people who fall under the official definition of untapped labour potential were surveyed. The research also distinguished between the short-term unemployed (no paid job for less than 1 year) and the long-term unemployed (no paid job for more than 1 year). Remarkably, the long-term unemployed seem to find a job in logistics attractive (15%). A sector that is currently under enormous pressure because of the global shortage of drivers.

"The healthcare sector has been under pressure for years because of the shortage of hands, and so has education. Recently, childcare and the logistics sector have also been in the spotlight when it comes to staffing," says Willem Bos, creative director at Pro Contact and initiator of the research. "That makes the untapped labour potential all the more sought after. They are an important part of the solution. These 1.1 million Dutch people are currently on the sidelines and are badly needed. In fact, our research shows they want to get to work too."

How willing they are to find a job or work more hours is shown by the fact that almost half (46%) would be willing to do work below his or her level. The long-term unemployed are slightly more willing (54%) than the short-term unemployed (47%).

Encouraging people to work

The untapped labour potential was also asked what would encourage them to start working again or work more. Offering a good salary (50%), flexible working hours (47%) and approaching someone personally to come and work (25%) are the factors mentioned most often.

Willem Bos: "I think it is a thorn in the side of many companies that such a large group is sitting on the sofa while they are crying out for extra staff. Perhaps it is even more frustrating to conclude that this group is willing to roll up their sleeves in struggling sectors. We really need to take a serious look at how to get them moving. A personal approach could be a good first step. But we also need to be more critical of the way we organise work and the level of salaries."

About the research:

This research was carried out by Panelwizard on behalf of Pro Contact. A total of 508 Dutch people aged 18 and over who fall under the official definition of untapped labour potential took part in the research. Of them, 34 percent do not have a paid job and 66 percent have a paid job.