Health

Unemployment benefits in the Netherlands have risen above 200,000 for the first time in more than four years, with West Brabant among the regions showing a clear increase. At the same time, employers in Northeast Brabant continue to face major staff shortages, prompting calls to focus more on skills than diplomas. Despite these pressures, the labour market remains tight and unemployment is still historically low.

Outgoing State Secretary for Youth Judith Tielen is advising parents and organisations to stop children from using play sand, craft sand, and squeeze toys for the time being due to potential asbestos contamination. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) is currently testing approximately 100 samples to determine if they exceed the legal limit of 0.1 per cent asbestos, with results expected in approximately two weeks. While a total ban cannot be issued until the specific health risks are confirmed by the RIVM, the advisory remains in place as a precaution for schools, nurseries, and households.

A new bird flu outbreak has been confirmed at a poultry farm in Uithuizermeeden, Groningen, where approximately 39,000 laying hens are being culled. This latest case brings the total number of birds lost since October to over 2 million across 45 different locations.

Investors are seeking to hold Philips CEO Roy Jakobs personally liable as part of an ongoing legal battle over the company’s sleep apnea device recall. The move comes as shareholders in both the US and the Netherlands pursue compensation for significant losses following a drop in share value.

The Dutch food safety authority has seen a surge in reports from parents after several major brands recalled baby food products due to toxin concerns. Investigations are now expanding to determine if other non-recalled products might also be linked to reported illnesses.

Picnic has issued a warning about a batch of beef bavette that may contain harmful E. coli bacteria. The supermarket says the STEC bacteria was found during inspections and could pose health risks. Customers who ate the product and feel unwell are urged to seek medical advice.

A new vaccination programme has successfully reduced intensive care admissions for infants with the RS virus by 75 per cent. The RIVM reports that the high uptake of the jab has significantly eased the pressure on Dutch paediatric hospitals this winter.

Dutch coalition plans to link the state pension age directly to life expectancy are expected to drive up occupational incapacity claims among older workers. While the move is intended to save billions of euros by 2060, experts warn that many people over 60 may struggle to stay in the workforce.