France’s jobless rate fell to 9.5% for the second quarter, down from 9.9% a year ago and from 9.6% in Q1 according to the French statistical body INSEE (National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies.)

The jobless rate calculated by INSEE corresponds to standards set by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to measure the percentage of people who are unemployed. It measures the unemployment rate in metropolitan France and the overseas departments (excluding Mayotte). The figures follow job growth in France’s private sector and temporary employment sector during the second quarter.

The permanent employment rate for people aged 15-64 reached 48.9% in Q2 2017. It rose by 0.3% over a quarter and by 0.1% year on year. The fixed-term and temporary employment rate remained at 7.8% in Q2 2017. It increased by 0.4% compared to Q2 2016.

In metropolitan France, the number of unemployed decreased by 20,000 to 2.7 million people unemployed in Q2 compared to Q1; standing at 9.2% of the active population. It decreased among persons aged 25 to 49 and those aged 50 and over, whereas it increased for youths.

Among unemployed, 1.2 million were seeking a job for at least one year. The long-term unemployment rate stood at 4.0% of active population in Q2 2017. It decreased by 0.1% compared to Q1 2017 and by 0.3% over a year.

Meanwhile, the full-time employment rate stood at 53.3% in Q2 2017, rising by 0.3% over the quarter, and by 0.5% year on year. Part-time employment rate stood at 12.0% in Q2 2017, increasing by 0.2 percentage points compared to Q1 2017 and Q2 2016.