Unemployment: surprise drop in January – Les Echos

The number of job seekers do not have worked at all during the month fell by 19,100 last month. This unexpected upturn benefited especially the young. Unemployment of older workers and the long-term unemployment has, however, continued to worsen

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Finally some good news on the unemployment front. While the number of job seekers reached the symbolic threshold of 3.5 million, month January was marked by a sharp decline: 19.100 registered less in France, in category A – that of people who say they not worked at all during the month. Following this monthly decline of 0.5%, there were 3.48 million in late January unemployed. No computer bug, no radiation behind this massive thinning surprise while growth is still struggling to start in France: it is mainly the times of declared and undeclared employment and internship entries that lower the statistics.

Staying safe

“The decline in the number of registered employment center in category A relates more especially young people (7600, -1.4%), which had not experienced such a decline for over a year, “, welcomed in a statement the Minister of Labour, François Rebsamen . “However, it should be cautious and observe over time the monthly developments, he has tempered; the fight against unemployment will not fade and will be pursued with determination “.

It is actually a little early to celebrate. In one year, the number of job seekers Class A city rose 4.8%. Since the beginning of the quinquennium, it There is an increased of 553,400 people. The rise of the curve was relentless, with the exception of a few months erratically down the last two years.

5.23 million unemployed all categories confused

The number of unemployed has not decreased in January if we include those who have worked a little (category B) or a lot (category C). It increased in contrast to 16,100 people in one month, or 5.23 million unemployed. The increase over the year is strong: it was 6.2%

These are the age of 25 who benefit most from this job boost, as. pointed out François Rebsamen. Those over 50 years are the only ones continue to suffer a deterioration in the labor market, modest in January (6000 unemployed, 0.1%), but violent on-year (+ 9.6%).

The length of unemployment lengthens 542 days

Another worrying trend is confirmed: the unemployed are increasingly long. In January, their “seniority” average increased further two good weeks, 542 days, that is to say, a year and a half in all categories. Only unemployed less than a year have benefited from the upturn in January. Others have seen their numbers grow by 15,200 people, an increase of 0.7% over the month. In one year, it reached 9.3%. For a chance to be employed, you must have marinated the shortest possible time unemployed.

This is to counteract the risk of permanent exclusion from the labor market the state, social partners, communities and associations presented Feb. 9 a plan the fight against long-term unemployment.