Economy and labor market

 

Since the end of the previous crisis, 2015, the Amsterdam economy has grown enormously.

Businesses are expanding, new businesses are starting up and vacancies are everywhere.

Major changes are taking place within and between economic sectors, not only as a result of

corona, but also due to international developments (Brexit, EU measures against tax avoidance, etc.)

and due to the spatial planning policy of the municipality (business sites become residential areas).

 

Amsterdam has traditionally had a very mixed economy in terms of the economic sectors that are present here: the Port and Schiphol for transport and distribution, the financial sector, industry, universities, culture sector, tourism and catering, creative industry, business services.

 

“Economic sorting” from economic geography: companies that are less strong are being pushed out.

 

Amsterdam Sorting machine

The huge influx of newcomers.

Most come to Amsterdam because they have found work here or have been recruited for a job.

Contrary to the theory of Richard Florida in his book “The Rise of the Creative Class”, in my view, few will settle in Amsterdam because of the attractive living environment (in a broad sense) and then see if they can find work here. This is impossible for most, if only because of the housing market.

 

From inland

For many graduates from university cities in the Netherlands, a well-paid job in Amsterdam is an attractive prospect. Before the crisis of 2008-2015, they were the most important group of newcomers

 

From abroad

To fill many vacancies, personnel are recruited abroad. Both within the EU and outside the EU.

Newcomers from outside the EU need a special work and residence permit, the so-called Blue Card. This is a sizeable group because the 2 largest groups of newcomers in terms of nationality have come from India and the US in recent years.

 

Distinction in new employees:

• Highly Educated Tech, Fintech, Health, Universities,

• “Professionals” as Nursing staff; construction workers, installers,

• Temporary staff in the hospitality industry, distribution, delivery services, domestic staff

digital nomads

 

 

 

Sorting out employees or. huge outflow from Amsterdam:

Temporary employment contract (or self-employed person)

No living space in Amsterdam (departure to the region or “back”?)

 

Students on the labor market

 

Amsterdam youth on the labor market

Highly educated and less educated

 

Industrial economy, post-industrial economy, the new making and the digital economy

 

Work in the new residential areas

 

Should Amsterdam stop recruiting new companies abroad?

The number of new jobs has grown three times faster than the number of new homes.

Amsterdam actively recruits companies abroad to establish themselves here.

Now that the Amsterdam housing market has stalled and commercial and office space is becoming scarcer, the question is being asked from various sides: shouldn't Amsterdam stop doing this or be much more selective?

 

Research questions (distinction between economic sectors and type of work)

• How are foreigners recruited and how are they received and guided in Amsterdam?

What makes Amsterdam attractive and is there a possibility to stay here longer?

• How does the Blue Card work for Amsterdam?

Which companies/sectors make use of this opportunity? How does the IND function in this? How often extension after 5 years?

• What kind of employment contracts do newcomers get in Amsterdam?

Temporary or possibilities for a permanent contract? HR policy regarding international corporate culture?

• Outflow of employees to the region or “back” abroad?

• How can young people in Amsterdam get more opportunities on the labor market?