Accounting jobs in the Netherlands could be created, as a new project to provide finance to small and medium-sized companies has been launched there.

Spearheaded by the European Union (EU), it is aimed to help new enterprises get established and success may result in support to employment in the country.

EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion Laszlo Andor told journalists: "This new [programme] will help boost entrepreneurship and the social economy in Europe. Its core aim is to create jobs and … help [people] find an alternative route out of unemployment."

As many as 45,000 entrepreneurs should be helped by the facility, which will distribute small loans taken from a pot of more than €20 million for Netherlands citizens who have lost their posts and want to start their own professional concern.

The most recent REC/KPMG Report on Jobs showed the UK staffing situation improved in January, with both permanent and temporary placements enjoying their largest jump in at least six months.