Le Figaro Économie8/9/2026Économie2 min readFrance

Unemployment increases for the sixth consecutive quarter, to 8.3%

A rate not seen since 2020 in France according to INSEE, and well-paid manual professions

Quick Look

The unemployment rate in France reached 8.3% in the 2nd quarter of 2026, its highest level since 2020.
At the same time, certain short training courses for manual professions offer attractive net salaries, up to 2,500 euros per month.

AI-generated summary

Why It Matters

Unemployment in France has seen a constant increase in recent quarters.

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Unemployment increases for the sixth consecutive quarter, to 8.3%

The number of unemployed French people continued to increase in the 2nd quarter of 2026, according to INSEE data. Paris has not seen such a high rate since 2020.

Up to 2,500 euros net per month: the best paid manual jobs after short training

EXCLUSIVE - We have scrutinized the salary levels in nearly 180 manual professions accessible after a CAP. Around twenty professions display very reasonable levels of remuneration.

What to Watch

AI outlook — possibilities, not facts

Increased investment in training for manual trades
Likely · Medium term

Open Questions

What are the underlying causes of this increase in unemployment?

Unemployment increases for the sixth consecutive quarter, to 8.3%

A rate not seen since 2020 in France according to INSEE, and well-paid manual professions

Quick Look

The unemployment rate in France reached 8.3% in the 2nd quarter of 2026, its highest level since 2020.
At the same time, certain short training courses for manual professions offer attractive net salaries, up to 2,500 euros per month.

AI-generated summary

Why It Matters

Unemployment in France has seen a constant increase in recent quarters.

Font size

Unemployment increases for the sixth consecutive quarter, to 8.3%

The number of unemployed French people continued to increase in the 2nd quarter of 2026, according to INSEE data. Paris has not seen such a high rate since 2020.

Up to 2,500 euros net per month: the best paid manual jobs after short training

EXCLUSIVE - We have scrutinized the salary levels in nearly 180 manual professions accessible after a CAP. Around twenty professions display very reasonable levels of remuneration.