The jobless total for young university and college graduates doubled last year, according to new figures from the state benefit agency UWV.

The unemployment rate among the under-25s rose to 15% last year, its highest level since the 1980s. And while people with vocational training are most likely to be out of a job, graduates are increasingly affected.

Some 11% of the under-27s without a job now have a degree, the UWV said.

Meanwhile, the family spending institute Nibud said on Monday that 51% of parents were helping support their children financially last year. In 2010, just 41% of parents bailed out their offspring.