Unemployment hits 2.1 million people

UNEMPLOYMENT in France reached 2.11 million at the end of December, new figures show – up 11.4% on the previous year.

The figure represented a 2.2% rise on the previous month and relates to “category 1 unemployed people” – the main reference figure – which means those looking for full-time, permanent work.

December saw an extra 46,000 people added to the list after November’s record increase of 64,000. It was the eighth month in a row to have seen a rise – the two million barrier was crossed in October.

This comes as politicians are making gloomy predictions about the country's economic prospects.

Prime Minister François Fillon has said official government growth predictions will be lowered this month, taking account of the worsening economic climate.

Economy Minister Christine Lagarde said negative growth was expected this year and she would be “astonished” if it turned out otherwise. She said it was the same across the Eurozone and “there is no point having any comforting illusions.”

Photo: sxc\toto55 Alexander Radev