Women earn 32% less than men

THE ANNUAL 'French social portrait' reveals that women in the private sector still earn on average 32% less than men.

The study is produced each year by government statistics group Insee and covers areas such as housing, education, health and spending patterns.

This year those living in the countryside have been hit hardest by inflation between May 2007-2008; 3.95% compared to a 3.33% national average, while Parisiens only saw a level of 2.42%.

The average wage is €17,700 with public sector workers on €22,851 and €17,156 for those in the private sector.

In the private sector, the survey found that women earn on average 32% less than men.

On average, the income of those aged 45 and over is twice that of those aged 30.

According to Insee nearly one in five young people left school without any qualifications such as a baccalauréat between 2005-2007.

The number of property owners in France has continued a slow rise to reach a level of 57% in 2006 from 51% in 1982.