Rising numbers seeking work

UNEMPLOYMENT in France has risen for the third consecutive month to 2.76 million people - the highest level in 11 years.

The number of people out of work rose by 1.3% in July. Including those who are under-employed, working reduced hours, the total rose 0.6% to 4.13 million.

The jobless figures were in decline for the first part of this year, but started to rise again in May, up by 17,700 in that month, then 33,600 in June and 36,100 in July.

Labour minister Xavier Bertrand said the figures - which are the worst since February 2000 - were "poor".

However, he said he was optimistic that unemployment would start to decline again.

"Redundancies are falling, temp work is still doing well, jobs are being created. The measures we have taken in recent months will start to show results."

He said more apprenticeships and training schemes would be offered to young jobseekers from September.