Unemployed protest for holiday rights

JOBSEEKERS have staged a demonstration in Paris calling for the "right to a holiday".

Trade union CGT-Chômeurs says unemployed people deserve a break from the stressful job-hunting routine to see family and friends.

They are calling on the government to make "an extra effort" and provide financial help for those who cannot afford a holiday.

Union representatives took their campaign to Paris's urban beach, Paris Plages, yesterday afternoon.

CGT Ile-de-France representative Patrick Marquette told TF1: "Dealing with the demands of Pôle Emploi is a job in itself. The stress it brings justifies a period of time to get away and relax."

The union wants chèques vacances, which can be used to pay for accommodation and travel, to be offered to jobseekers alongside their benefits.

It is also calling for better deals for the unemployed at sports and leisure centres and holiday camps.

Photo: Slasher-Fun/Flickr