Euro falls, French want franc back

European currency falls to lowest level against pound in nine months amid concern over knock-on effect from Greece

NEARLY 40% of French people say it is time to ditch the euro and go back to using the franc, according to a new survey.

The poll result is published as the euro hits its lowest level against the pound in almost nine months - and its lowest level against the dollar in a year.

The Ifop survey of 1,000 people found 38% rejected the single European currency. The proportion was as high as 59% among manual workers and general employees.

Support for the euro was greatest among senior managers and those working in liberal professions, at 86%.

The euro fell to a nine-month low against the pound yesterday afternoon, at 84.94p, as fears spread that the debt problems and unrest in Greece would have a knock-on effect on the rest of the euro zone.

At 7.30 this morning, £1 bought €1.177.

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Marco Desscouleurs - Fotolia.com