Youth unemployment in Brussels at lowest level in 20 years

Youth unemployment in Brussels fell by 9% compared to one year ago, and is now at its lowest level in 20 years. The overall unemployment rate in the city remains stable at around 21%, reports brusselnieuws.be, based on figures from the National Employment Office (RVA/ONEM).

The number of young people (under 25 years of age) looking for work in Brussels dropped from 14,000 to 12,750 in one year. "A fantastic result," said Yves Bastaerts of Brussels employment office Actiris. "We come from an unemployment rate of more than 30% to just under 29%."

The decrease is in part thanks to 'The Youth Guarantee' initiative of Actiris. "We help people as soon as they lose their job," said Bastaerts. "After six months, we offer an internship, a job or a course. This is finally paying off."