The unemployment rate in France was stable in the first three months of this year, though remained at 10.1 percent of the workforce. <br /><br />The rate, measured according to International Labour Organisation criteria, was the lowest since the fourth quarter of 2012. <br /><br />It had been rising for two years and hit 10.3 percent in the middle of last year – the highest level since 1998. <br /><br />The Paris government plans to spend 500 million euros this year to create 45,000 subsidised jobs for young people lacking professional qualifications.<br /><br />France will also receive 620 million euros from the European Union to combat youth unemployment.<br /><br />Further declines in unemployment could bring a much-needed boost to President Hollande, whose approval ratings have slumped partly due to frustration over the state of the French economy.
