The unemployment rate rose in the third quarter to 7.5 percent for mainland France from 7.4 percent the previous quarter, which was revised from an initial reading of 7.3 percent. The Full Employment Act has now been in force for three quarters, which had an upward effect on the jobless rate in the quarter, according to INSEE.

For people between 25 and 49 years of age, the unemployment rate rose to 7.1 percent in the third quarter from the second where it was 6.9 percent. At the same time, the rate for those above 50 increased to 5.1 percent from 4.8 percent. Youth unemployment (15-24 years) fell to 18.8 from 19.0. The rate for long-term unemployed ticked higher to 1.8 from 1.7 percent.

Full-time employment was 57.6 percent during the third quarter, compared with 57.7 percent in the second, while part-time employment was stable at 11.8 percent. The full-time equivalent jobless rate fell to 64.6 in the third quarter from 64.8 percent.

Average weekly hours worked fell marginally in the third quarter to 31.1 from 31.2 the previous quarter, and also from the third quarter of last year when it was 31.2. Other reports have indicated that some firms are not replacing retiring workers, or those that have left.

There were 1.9 million inactive people, considered unemployed because they were neither seeking work or were unavailable. This so called halo around unemployment was 13,000 higher in the third quarter than in the second.

The results show continued stress on the labor market which will likely continue with the turmoil in the government coupled with restraint among businesses and consumers to increase their activities.

The unemployment rate measures the number of unemployed as a percentage of the labour force. It is based on the International Labour Organization (ILO) definition of unemployment, which excludes jobseekers that did any work during the month and covers those people who are looking for work and are available for work. The report contains data on both total joblessness and just mainland unemployment; the latter is regarded as the more significant.

The data report the number of unemployed persons (quarterly average) for metropolitan France and for metropolitan France plus overseas departments. The metropolitan measure is regarded as the more useful guide.

The data provide a comprehensive report on how many people are looking for jobs and the unemployment rate. These numbers are the best way to gauge the current state as well as the future direction of the economy.

Despite the delay in publication of these data, investors can sense the degree of tightness in the jobs market. If labour markets are tight, investors will be alert to possible inflationary pressures that could exist. If wage inflation threatens, it is a reasonable bet that interest rates will rise and bond and stock prices will fall.