Record spike in number of French unemployed

THE number of people unemployed in France rose by 41,300 in August compared to the previous month, the largest increase in the figures since 1993.

The Guardian reports that the figures were expected, but that with around two million people looking for work it is feared that any holding back on consumer spending will have a severe impact on the economy.

Economy Minister Christine Lagarde held an emergency meeting with the main job agency, ANPE, but with little financial muscle to promote job creation the government has few options available.