France: record rise in unemployment in April

In a Pôle Emploi agency. PHILIPPE HUGUEN / AFP

In April, the number of job seekers in France jumped 22%. After a month of March already marked by a historic increase (+ 7.1%), these figures reflect the violent shock of the health crisis and confinement on the French economy.

Publicity

Read more

In line with the first quarter data, the number of job seekers is increasing. Four and a half million people are registered in category A, that is to say that they do not exercise any activity. Or an increase of 22.6%. 

This historic increase was predictable, since April is the first month entirely marked by containment. It is explained by the fact that people who were unemployed in March are still unemployed in April.

While the government's partial unemployment measures have delayed this backdrop, they have not been able to prevent it. The coronavirus pandemic has led to the total and brutal shutdown of many sectors of activity, considerably weakening vulnerable workers. It is also hitting new entrants to the job market, which risks being permanently affected. 

These new "vulnerable" work in particular in the hotel and catering, culture and transport. 

Newsletter Receive all international news directly in your mailbox

I subscribe

Follow all international news by downloading the RFI application

google-play-badge_FR

  • France
  • Employment and Work
  • Coronavirus
  • Confinement