top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Many jobs vacant in France despite high unemployment

Over 150,000 jobs in France remain vacant, despite an unemployment rate of 8.7% nationally, the employment minister has said.

This translates to 1.19% of jobs - or 156,300 - sitting vacant at the end of June 2018.

The highest levels of vacant posts were in specialised scientific and technical jobs (1.89%); information and communication roles (1.74%); hospitality and restaurants (1.65%); human health and social work (1.64%); arts, performance and leisure (1.37%); and financial and insurance (1.35%).

In absolute numbers, there were 100,754 jobs empty in the commercial sector; 31,458 in industry; 29,969 in manufacturing; 18,520 in scientific and technical work; 11,584 in information and communication; and 11,392 in hospitality.

These new figures largely correspond to the study published by government unemployment service Pôle Emploi, in April 2018.

This study showed that aside from seasonal work, employers were mainly seeking caretakers, home cleaning staff or home help; kitchen and restaurant workers, and nurse aides; as well as engineers, researchers, and computer developers.

Figures showed that employers found it most difficult to recruit for roles as varied as carpenters, roofers, boiler specialists, dentists, garage specialists, electrical designers, and even aeroplane navigators.

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