France's unemployment rate fell back during the second quarter to reach its lowest level since the end of 2008 and offer some relief for President Emmanuel Macron in the face of a slowing economy and anti-government protests, reports WSAU.
The INSEE national statistics office said the unemployment rate in France, which is the euro zone's second-biggest economy, fell to 8.5% in the second quarter from 8.7% in the first.
That marked the lowest level since it stood at 7.8% for the fourth quarter of 2008, although it remained above an unemployment rate of around 5% in Germany, the euro zone's biggest economy.
A steady improvement in the jobs market has given Macron some relief in the face of months of street protests against government policies often criticized for favoring the wealthier members of society.
French labour minister Muriel Pénicaud said in a statement that the latest figures showed progress in terms of young people taking up apprenticeships and jobs.
"The government's reforms are starting to bear fruit for our citizens. A lot of jobs are being created, especially in terms of permanent contracts, because companies - especially small firms - are no longer scared to hire," said Pénicaud.
In July, online retail giant Amazon announced 1,800 new jobs in France while luxury fashion company Hermes announced 130 new jobs in June, although by contrast furniture retailer Conforama cut jobs.
OECD economist Stéphane Carcillo said France still needed to do more in terms of cutting the unemployment level.