JobsNetherlands to cut 25,000 civil-service jobs by 2035: "AI to raise productivity 20%"

The Dutch government said it will cut 25,000 civil-service jobs by 2035 as it simplifies operations around AI, HR Brew reported on Oct. 30 citing Bloomberg. The government employs a record 160,000 people, and some agencies could lose about 60% of staff.

"We must make significant cuts to organisational costs," state secretary Eric van der Burg said, promising a "simpler, smarter and smaller" central government. Cutting regulations and advisory bodies and using AI would save about 3.5 billion euros ($3.9 billion) by 2035. A rollout plan is due in early 2027, and officials expect a 20% productivity gain.

ING chief economist Marike Blom told Bloomberg AI can shrink government but can also create new demand, such as complaints filed by AI agents. HR Brew, citing the Guardian, says more than 112,000 US layoff announcements this year mention AI.