At the end of 2025, the employment rate in our country was 72.8%. In the Flemish Region the figure is 77.3%. The figure indicates what percentage of people of working age are actually working, without making a distinction between full-time and part-time workers. At 79.2%, the province of West Flanders has the highest employment rate of all provinces in our country. The employment rate remains virtually stable compared to 2024 (79%). If we look at this over 5 years, we see an increase of 3.5%, over 10 years we note an increase of 7.6%. Employment in West Flanders has seen a clear positive evolution in recent years.
Relevant figure
Thijs Deklerck, office director of Acerta Roeselare: “The employment rate is a relevant figure: after all, a job is important for financial independence and mental well-being. Employment promotes social interaction, offers people the opportunity to develop themselves, and meaningful work also brings satisfaction. In addition to the individual aspect, there is also a general interest: whoever works also makes a concrete financial contribution to prosperity in our country. A higher employment rate is therefore a win-win. At least, when it is about sustainable jobs. That means: with a reasonable wage, achievable challenges, a good work-life balance and in a constructive atmosphere.”
People over 55 are catching up rapidly
The age group of over-55s in particular stands out in Acerta’s analysis. Among people over 55, there is a clear positive development in the province: the employment rate increased by 2.2% to 64.5% in 2025. For comparison: at Belgian level the employment rate of older workers is 61.5%, in the Flemish Region this figure is higher at 65.6%.
Increase in employment rate among men, decrease among women
Furthermore, the analysis shows opposite evolution in men and women. The employment rate of men in West Flanders increased by 1.2% in 2025 compared to 2024. The female population declined in terms of employment by 1.04%. This will widen the employment gap between men and women: 6.6 percentage points (37.5% compared to 2024).
