France’s unemployment rate stood at 9.2% in the second quarter of 2018. Over the year, the unemployment rate decreased by 0.3%, according to data from INSEE (National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies).

INSEE’s Q2 data also covered fixed-term and temporary employment, showing a decrease of 0.1% when compared to the same period last year.

The employment rate of the population aged 15-64 years stood at 65.8% in Q2 2018, its highest level since the early 1980s. It increased by 0.4%, year-on-year.

Permanent employment rate for people aged 15 to 64 stood at 49.3% in Q2 2018. It increased by 0.4% over a year. Full-time employment rate remained at 53.9% in Q2 2018, 0.6%higher than its Q2 2017 level. Part-time employment rate stood at 12.0%, stable from last year.

INSEE also showed that 5.8% of the employed persons were underemployed, defined as those who have a part-time job and wish to work more. The 5.8% figure was a decrease of 0.2% when compared to last year.

Last week, INSEE published data on temporary employment, showing an increase of 54,600 temporary jobs in the second quarter, a 7.2% increase over the year.