A large majority of military personnel in the Netherlands has no confidence in defence minister Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, according to union research.

A poll of around 1,000 defence personnel by military union AFMP found 90% think the minister has no idea what happens in the armed forces and half think they will not be able to do their job safely because of spending cuts.

More than half are unhappy with the defence ministry as an employer and 70% would not recommend other people to sign up.

The situation is particularly worrying because the armed forces depends on the loyalty of its members, the union said.