Job growth in Twente stabilises further in 2025

Job growth in Twente seems to be entering calmer waters in the coming years. After several turbulent years, we expect moderate job growth in 2024 and 2025, with regional employment growing slightly stronger than the national average. Nevertheless, persistent labour shortages remain a major stumbling block, requiring innovative solutions to address labour market challenges. The Labour market forecast Twente 2024 - 2025 of the UWV.

Slight Job Growth Expected
Job growth in Twente has been robust in recent years. Between 2020 and 2023, the number of jobs grew by 23,500 (+7.8%). More modest growth of 2,600 and 2,300 jobs respectively is expected for 2024 and 2025, bringing the total in the region to almost 329,000 employee jobs. At 0.8%, growth in Twente in 2024 is slightly above the national average (0.7%). The healthcare, wholesale and retail sectors play an important role in this, especially due to the increasing demand for healthcare and the strong presence of these sectors in Twente.

Sectoral Developments
While most sectors show slight growth, there are some notable trends:

1. Growth in Care & Wellness: The healthcare sector is a major driver of job growth. By 2024, an increase of 900 jobs is expected here. The ageing population and population growth continue to drive this development.
2. Shrinkage in Construction: In contrast, the construction sector experiences a slight job contraction (-100) in 2024. This is due to factors such as high interest rates, rising construction costs and stricter regulations. A recovery of 100 jobs is expected for 2025, partly due to sustainability projects.
3. Recovery in Temporary Employment sector: After severe contraction in 2023 and 2024 (-800 jobs), the staffing sector expects a recovery of 500 jobs in 2025. Nevertheless, job levels will not return to pre-2023 levels, partly due to stricter laws and regulations and a preference of workers for permanent contracts or self-employed constructions. We wrote about this last week Flex industry in 2025: a little bit of growth | Twente Personeelsdiensten Wierden.
4. Declining Jobs in Public Administration and Education: Job contraction is expected in public administration (-200) and education (-100) by 2025. In education, the decline in pupil numbers plays a major role.

Staff shortages Remain Problem
Despite slight employment growth, staff shortages remain a structural problem in Twente. Sectors such as healthcare, ICT, engineering and education have been struggling with a shortage of qualified staff for years. Ageing exacerbates this problem, as many experienced employees leave the labour market and vacancies are difficult to fill.

Creative Solutions Needed
The ongoing shortage requires innovative strategies from employers and collaboration partners. Consider:

• Automation: Sectors such as manufacturing and transport & storage are relying on technology to increase productivity.
• Flexible Working Models: Making part-time work attractive, offering training and using self-employed workers.
• Regional Cooperation: Leveraging available labour force through intersectoral cooperation and retraining job seekers.

How Twente Personeelsdiensten Can Help
At Twente Personeelsdiensten, we understand the challenges employers face. We support companies with tailor-made solutions to their staffing needs. Whether it is temporary support, permanent staff or developing new recruitment strategies, we will help you move forward.

Do you have questions or are you looking for advice on how to prepare your business for the future? Get in touch with us. Together, we will find creative solutions to keep your production and services running - even in a tight labour market.