nuOct 10, 2026, 05:15

More plumbing companies, yet a shortage of skilled workers persists

Although the number of plumbing businesses in the Netherlands has surged by nearly 60 percent since 2016, the sector continues to face a significant shortage of skilled workers. Rising demand for sustainability projects and an aging workforce are driving a persistent labor gap that exceeds the current supply of new professionals.

The number of registered plumbing businesses in the Netherlands has grown significantly, reaching 11,500 in the third quarter of this year. This represents an increase of nearly 60 percent compared to 2016 figures, as more than 700 new businesses were established during the first nine months of this year alone. However, the sector simultaneously faces an uptick in business closures, with 628 companies deregistering in the same period.

Despite the rise in company registrations, industry organization Techniek Nederland reports a persistent shortage of skilled professionals due to heightened demand for home sustainability upgrades and new construction projects. While enrollment in relevant vocational training programs has increased by 20 percent over the last four years, the industry currently struggles with approximately 30,000 open vacancies. Experts warn that the sector needs more people choosing technical careers or retraining as plumbers to offset the looming labor gap caused by an aging workforce.

Economy Business Netherlands

Read original ↗

Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

New strike in regional transport: fewer buses and trains on Thursday

Regional transport workers in the Netherlands are set to hold another strike this Thursday, leading to reduced bus and train services. This action is part of an ongoing dispute over a new collective labor agreement, with unions planning weekly walkouts until Christmas if negotiations remain unresolved.

Not selling out is not a death blow for festival: 'But be careful not to price yourself out of the market'

Festival organizations in the Netherlands faced a challenging summer marked by extreme weather, rising operational costs, and fluctuating ticket sales. Despite these significant hurdles, industry professionals remain optimistic due to the sector's inherent creativity and ability to adapt to difficult circumstances.

Gall & Gall and Etos websites back online, apps remain unreachable

The websites for Gall & Gall, Etos, and Albert Heijn are back online following a recent cybersecurity incident at Ahold Delhaize, though some app features and delivery services remain restricted. While the investigation into the cause is ongoing, the company has confirmed no current evidence of data theft and normal supply chain operations have resumed.

Number of cybersecurity companies more than quadrupled in five years

The number of registered cybersecurity companies in the Netherlands has quadrupled since 2021, reaching 962 by October 2024. This rapid growth is driven by increasing cyber threats and regulatory changes, highlighting the ongoing challenge for organizations to protect their digital systems.

Low incomes spend more on childcare: can make a ten-euro monthly difference

Childcare organizations in the Netherlands are increasingly charging rates that exceed government subsidies, placing a greater financial burden on low-income families. Experts warn that these rising costs could reduce childcare accessibility for children who would benefit most from early development services.