French Unemployment Rises in March

France’s registered unemployment increased by 35,600 in March 2026, reaching 3.109 million, following a revised 8,500 decline in February. This rise marks the end of four consecutive months of falling unemployment, led by the 25-49 age group, where joblessness rose by 25,600 to 1.803 million. Unemployment among those aged 50 and over climbed by 7,000 to 805,000, while the under-25 category saw a 3,000 increase to 502,000.

The number of people registered as unemployed in mainland France rose by 17.7 thousand from the previous month to 3.108 million in February 2026. This marked the first increase in jobseekers since October last year. Unemployment among those aged 25 to 49 climbed by 13.7 thousand to 1.801 million, while for individuals aged 50 and over it increased by 3.4 thousand to 804 thousand. Among those under 25, the unemployed population rose by only 0.6 thousand to 504 thousand.

The number of people registered as unemployed in France declined by 26.9 thousand in January 2026, reaching 3.091 million, marking the third consecutive monthly decrease. Unemployment among those aged 25 to 49 fell by 17.3 thousand to 1.787 million, while for individuals aged 50 and over it dropped by 7.7 thousand to 801 thousand. Among those under 25, the unemployed population fell by 1.9 thousand to 503 thousand.