Unemployment Rate in France Hits 8.3% in Q2 2026, Highest Since 2020

France’s unemployment rate climbed to 8.3% in the second quarter of 2026, marking the highest level since autumn 2020, according to reports from the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (Insee) and the International Labour Organization. This increase represents a 0.2 percentage point rise from the previous quarter, affecting 2.7 million people actively seeking work across all age groups.

Young people aged 15 to 24 faced the brunt of the rise, with unemployment reaching 21.6%, up 0.4 points. The 25-49 age group saw its unemployment rate increase by 0.2 points to 7.5%, the highest since early 2021. Those over 50 also experienced a 0.3 point rise to 5.5%. The unemployment rate among women increased by 0.4 points, while the number of unemployed men remained stable.

Insee attributes a substantial portion of this increase to changes in the registration of RSA (Revenu de Solidarité Active) recipients and the impact of the Employment Act and pension reforms. Nearly half of the unemployment rise is linked to young people aged 15-29 registered with France Travail and RSA beneficiaries. Furthermore, Insee's forecasts suggest the unemployment rate will continue to climb due to an expected growth of 185,000 in the active population with stagnant employment numbers.

Economic conditions like political instability, climate challenges, and diminished recruitment prospects — down by 6.5% for 2026 — have compounded the issue. Despite President Emmanuel Macron’s goal of reducing unemployment to 5% by 2027, this target appears increasingly difficult under current trends.

The Minister of Labour has highlighted the urgency to improve youth integration and adapt skills training to meet evolving business needs, recognizing the challenges ahead.