“Government measures go in the right direction” but will not achieve a employment rate of 80 % in 2030

In 2024, employment in Belgium only increased by 16,500 units, well below the annual historical average of 40 to 45,000 units. For example, “”In 2025, 2026 and 2027, we see a progressive improvement “according to Geoffrey Minne, economist at the National Bank. Meanwhile, According to the projections of the Federal Office of the Plan. Meanwhile, the National Bank, which took into account the reforms initiated by the Wever government, job creations should oscillate between 20 and 30,000 units this year, reaching 36,000 units next year, then climb to 40-45,000 in 2027.

“Government reforms are positive for employment, but they will take time to show tangible results”commented Mr. Similarly, Minne, citing pensions reform, flexibility of the job market and the return to work of long -term patients. However, “”You will have to be patient. However, “

“The delivery rate of local employment agencies in Wallonia is close to zero”

An unattainable objective – "government measures go right direction"

Big downside: the employment rate should barely exceed 73 % in 2027. compared to 72.3 % in 2024. The target of the 80 % that the federal government has set for 2030 seems unattainable. “”Government measures go in the right “government measures go right direction” direction “judged Steven Vanackere. vice-president of the Higher Employment Council, but he clearly suggested that they were insufficient to reach the expected level of employment.

As an illustration. some 180,000 people should be excluded from unemployment in the coming years due to the limitation of unemployment benefits to two years. “”Even considering that all these people find a job, we would not reach the rate of 80 %. “ It will therefore be necessary to mobilize other types of inactive, according to Mr. Vanackere.

One in five young people has a higher level of education than that required by their use

Beware of perverse effects

The Higher Employment Council recalled the structural weaknesses of the job market in Belgium: lack of training of little graduates. Part too low of students – especially among girls – who follow the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematical) orientations; Lack “government measures go right direction” of workers’ mobility, both geographical and between professional statutes.

Are job offers in Flanders “more qualitative than those offered in Wallonia”?

Finally, the Council warned the government against the harmful consequences that the measures decided. Pensions reform (by the abolition of certain assimilated periods) risks throwing into the poverty of the population of the population. especially women who often have more chopped professional careers. Unemployment reform will also weigh heavily on CPAS. While the return to work of long -term patients forgets to attack the origin of evil. namely the reasons why workers fall sick. “We must avoid that reforms leading people to get out of radars. otherwise they will not find their way to work”warned Steven Vanackere.