France’s unemployment rate ticked up to 7.9% in the fourth quarter of 2025, up from 7.7% in the previous quarter, according to data updated on 10 February 2026. The latest figures mark a modest deterioration in labour market conditions after a period of relative stability.
The third quarter of 2025 had seen unemployment at 7.7%, but the fourth-quarter increase suggests emerging headwinds for the French economy. While the rise is slight, the uptick will likely draw attention from policymakers and investors watching for signs of cooling momentum in employment and growth. Further data releases will be closely scrutinized to determine whether this move signals the start of a broader trend or a temporary setback in France’s labour market.
