The unemployment rate remained almost stable in the second quarter, at 7.2% of the active population in France (excluding Mayotte) compared to 7.1% in the first quarter, according to figures published on Friday by INSEE. The number of unemployed in the sense of the International Labor Office (ILO) increased from 20,000 to 2.2 million people, notes the INSEE. However, the unemployment rate remains 0.2 points below its level a year ago and 3.3 points below its maximum in mid-2015.
During the quarter, the unemployment rate was almost stable for all age groups. It is 16.7% (+0.1 point) for the population aged 15 to 24, 1.1 points less in one year, and 6.5% (+0.1) for the population aged 25 to 49 years, almost at the same level as the previous year (-0.1 point). That of those aged 50 and over stood at 5.1% (-0.1 pp), at the same level as a year ago.
Increase in the employment rate of 55-64 years
The unemployment rate for men fell 0.2 points to 7.2% and again came close to that of women, which rose 0.3 points to 7.1%. The long-term unemployment rate (at least one year) remained stable during the quarter, at 1.8% of the active population, or 564,000 people. This level is at its lowest level since the first quarter of 2009.
The “halo around unemployment”, i.e. people who want to return to the labor market but are not considered by the ILO to be unemployed (they are actually looking for work and are available to take it), is almost stable, at 2 million people ( – 7,000).
Regarding the employment rate of 15 to 64 years, it also remains stable at 68.6% and remains at its highest level since it was measured by INSEE (1975). But, although the pension reform will enter into force on September 1, it increases 0.7 points for those between 55 and 64 years of age.
Source: BFM TV
