In the late 20th century a change was coming over the
West-European economy, called de-industrialization.
Old and Traditional industries such as coal mining,
textiles and shipbuilding reduced quickly. In the meantime, service industries
like tourism, education, retail and finance grew rapidly and this sector became
the main source of employment.
Around 1973 there was much
employment in Britain and many other west and south European countries (In
Britain 3% unemployment and the Netherlands 2,8% ). After the period there
started a economic depression with high inflation and high unemployment. In the
late 1970s unemployment stood at around in Britain 5,5% and the Netherlands at
8,3%.
In 1980-1982, recession and
unemployment grew much worse. I t ended in 1990.
Unfortunately in 1990
unemployment rose again.
