Sint-Niklaas – A 29-year-old job seeker sparked disturbances at six temporary employment agencies in Sint-Niklaas on Friday afternoon after aggressively demanding work. The man, whose identity has not been disclosed, attempted to secure immediate employment through disruptive behavior that included loud shouting, knocking on windows, and spitting.
The incidents occurred at recruitment offices located on Parklaan and Hendrik Heymanplein. Eyewitnesses reported that the man became increasingly agitated when he was informed by staff that standard procedures, including administrative paperwork, were required before any job placement could be made. Despite these explanations, the man refused to comply and escalated his disruptive conduct.
Employees at the various agencies attempted to calm the situation, but their efforts failed, prompting them to call law enforcement. Police detained the man for causing a public disturbance. He was held briefly before officials initiated legal proceedings.
The event highlights ongoing challenges faced by employment agencies and job seekers in the city. Sint-Niklaas, situated in Belgium’s East Flanders province, currently has an unemployment rate of approximately 5.2%, slightly below the national average of 5.6%, according to 2023 data from Statbel. Temporary employment plays a significant role in the local job market, with over 15 staffing agencies operating in the area—most of them located along Parklaan and Hendrik Heymanplein.
According to VDAB, Flanders’ public employment service, roughly 12% of job seekers in the region rely primarily on temporary employment. While aggression at job centres remains relatively rare, local police have observed a 7% rise in public disturbances caused by job-search-related frustrations between 2020 and 2023. Nonetheless, such violent incidents at employment offices make up less than 2% of all public order offenses in Sint-Niklaas.
Other crimes, such as property theft, are more prevalent in the area compared to assault or threats of violence. Studies suggest that rising living costs and growing competition in the labour market contribute to increased stress among job seekers.
A 2022 University of Antwerp survey revealed that nearly 20% of unemployed individuals in East Flanders reported experiencing serious frustration during their job search. However, only a small fraction exhibited aggressive behavior. Authorities continue to monitor labour market tensions closely and focus on offering mediation services and assistance programs aimed at supporting especially vulnerable groups.
Eurotoday is a daily online newspaper based in Belgium. It provides unique and independent coverage on European and international affairs. With a pan-European outlook, Eurotoday reports on EU policies and politics, key developments within Member States, and global issues from a European perspective.
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