Holland will face a shortage of workers by 2050

There is nothing wrong with planning for all eventualities or with making predictions about the future. But it is rather mind boggling that research group SEO can conclude that the Netherlands will face a shortage of 274,000 workers by 2050. Not 275,000 workers or 273,000 workers but a nice, round 274,000. The Netherlands, the SEO concludes, is going to need 1.5 million new workers to make up for the shortfalls as the population gets older. And, it estimates, we will be pretty lucky compared to some countries - like the UK, Holland will be able to attract enough immigrants to fill 80% of the surplus jobs. There are an awful lot of variables in this equation, which the SEO, as an expert in its field, has doubtless considered. And perhaps, at some point over the next 43 years, a political party will really dare to challenge the right to early retirement so the greying population won't be an issue anyway. The debate has been rumbling on for years. Now the new government plans a little extra tax for rich pensioners. And we have the prospect of an unholy alliance between the right-wing Liberals and the Socialists to block the legislation, if it ever sees the light of day, that is. All things considered, given the length of time it takes to get anything important done, the SEO is probably right to make predictions after all.// Dutchnews.nl