News

More than half of Dutch employees who switch jobs end up working in a different sector, according to new analysis by De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB). The degree of cross‑sector mobility varies sharply between industries, with waste & energy and culture & recreation showing the highest outflow.

A recent survey of over 3,800 cancer patients shows that more than 80 per cent experience side effects from radiation therapy. Fatigue, skin problems, and pain are the most frequently reported issues among those undergoing treatment. Health organisations are now calling for better patient guidance and clearer information before therapy begins.

A sweeping investigation by the Inspectie Gezondheidszorg en Jeugd reveals that nearly all large ggz organisations in the Netherlands fail to meet mandatory information security laws. Only six out of eighty seven audited institutions fully comply with the regulations, leaving highly sensitive patient data potentially vulnerable to cyberattacks. Regulators now demand that failing organisations undergo independent expert assessments before the end of the year to fix these security gaps.

A landmark study by Erasmus University reveals that the total economic and social cost of dementia has climbed to an estimated 31.8 billion euros. The research emphasizes that the financial impact reaches well beyond hospital budgets, frequently causing severe strain, illness, and lost working hours for informal family carers and their employers. With an aging population expected to increase the prevalence of the condition, experts warn that healthcare budget cuts will only shift the burden further onto local communities.

An annual joint report by the Dutch Payments Association and De Nederlandsche Bank highlights an accelerating digital migration among older shoppers. For the first time in history, Dutch citizens aged 75 and older are conducting the majority of their informal peer-to-peer transfers electronically rather than with cash. This behavioral pivot mirrors a nationwide decline in physical currency, as the total market share of cash transactions across the country has dropped to just 17%.

The Dutch Health Council has again advised against adding the meningococcal B vaccine to the national programme. It cites low infection numbers and concerns about side effects in young children. The advice comes despite a recent outbreak in the United Kingdom.

Students in Dutch higher education continue to report high levels of satisfaction, despite ongoing concerns about study pressure. The latest National Student Survey shows stable results across teaching quality and social climate. Differences remain between universities and universities of applied sciences.

Wildfire risk has reached its highest level in most parts of the Netherlands after a period of dry conditions. Authorities have increased vigilance and restricted certain activities in natural areas. Military exercises involving fire have also been suspended as a precaution.