Work & Employment
How many people have jobs? How many are looking? Official numbers from Eurostat's quarterly labour force survey.
Unemployment rate — 2025-Q3
7.8%
Employment rate — 2025-Q3
81.4%
Unemployment Over Time
Quarterly unemployment rate for France (ages 15–74, seasonally adjusted). France has historically run higher unemployment than Germany or the UK, though the gap has been narrowing.
Unemployment by Gender
Men and women in France face similar unemployment rates — the gender gap has largely closed, unlike in many EU countries.
Men
7.8%Women
7.7%Youth Unemployment
France's youth unemployment (under 25) has been a persistent challenge — roughly double the overall rate. The CDI/CDD contract system and strict labour laws make it harder for young people to get a first permanent job.
Employment Rate Over Time
Share of people aged 20–64 who are employed. France's 35-hour work week and strong labour protections shape this number.
At a Glance
The full picture: unemployment and employment broken down by gender.
| Category | Unemployment Rate (%) | Employment Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 7.8 | 81.4 |
| Men | 7.8 | 84.6 |
| Women | 7.7 | 78.4 |
Job Vacancy Rate
When vacancies are high, employers are struggling to hire — a tight labour market. When low, jobs are scarce.