Unemployment soars to 2 million

Total of jobless sees steepest monthly increase since 1993, rising to more than 2 million for first time in 17 months

Published Modified

FRANCE has seen its steepest jump in unemployment figures since March 1993, reaching 2 million for the first time since May last year.

In October there were 2.4% more unemployed people compared to September (an extra 46,900) and 4.4% more compared to October 2007 (up by 84,900).

The number of jobseekers registered with the national employment agency ANPE in “category 1”- those counted in the official unemployment figures - is now 2,004,500. This category refers to people who are seeking a full-time, permanent–contract job, who had not worked more than 78 hours in the previous month.

October’s increase is the eighth monthly jump this year. Male unemployment increased by much more than female (3.5% compared to 1.3%). Under-25s were especially hit – up 4.3% compared to September and up 8.3% since October 2007, attaining 371,000.

Job offers received by ANPE decreased by 5.5% in October. They are 9.8% down on October 2007.

Photo:Thomas Gogny/ANPE

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