The survey was conducted by the CNV trade union federation
Workers in the provinces of Groningen and Friesland expect a hard economic blow due to the Coronavirus outbreak, says a new survey. A full 20 percent think that they will lose their jobs, and more than a third of Northerners believe employment in the North will drop sharply as a result of the crisis.
The survey was carried out by the CNV, among a representative group of 4000 workers in Friesland and Groningen, reports the DVHN.
More than a third of people surveyed think they will remain unemployed for a long time after losing their job, whilst 20 percent think the crisis is hitting the North harder than the Randstad. It should be noted that the actual economic data suggests that the North will be shielded from the worst economic effects of the virus.
The chair of the CNV, Piet Fortuin, said: “These provinces have the least number of Corona infections in the Netherlands, but are hit hard. Groningen and Friesland are currently leading the unemployment figures of Statistics Netherlands. Moreover, Groningen was already hit economically by cutting off gas extraction. In Friesland, we also expect a sledgehammer blow in the catering and tourism sector. ”
Many Frisians and Groningers are unfavorable about the future. 68% are concerned about the future of working in the Netherlands and 70% about the social system. 75% have concerns about their future pension, including many young people. “We call on the cabinet to look beyond their Randstad nose. We call on companies to establish themselves here.” Fortuin said.
