top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Jobless figure in France lowest in decade

President Macron has pledged to cut unemployment to 7% by the end of his five-year mandate in 2022

Unemployment in France has fallen to its lowest level in a decade, with 2.4million people out of work.

Figures published by the national statistics agency Insee on Wednesday, showed the second-quarter unemployment rate including overseas territories is 8.5% - its lowest level since 2009.

In metropolitan France, the rate fell 0.2% to 8.2% in the second quarter, continuing a downward trend since a peak in 2015. So far in 2019, unemployment has fallen 0.6%.

 

The long-term unemployed are still having difficulty finding work, however. Some 900,000 people - or 3.2% of the work-age population - have been unemployed for more than a year, a fall of 0.1%. Among 15-24 year olds, the unemployment rate fell 0.6% to 18.6%.

Across eurozone countries, unemployment fell to an 11-year low of 7.5% in May.

French President Emmanuel Macron has reformed labour laws and reduced corporate taxes in a bid to cut unemployment and make the country more attractive to employers and investors.

The Employment Ministry said the jobless figure is 300,000 lower than it was when Mr Macron was elected in May 2017. It remains, however, well above the President's target of 7% by the end of his five-year mandate.

Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France