French jobless rate stable in October

PARIS, Nov 28 (AFP) – The unemployment rate in France was stable in October compared to September at 9.7 percent of the work force, the labor ministry reported Friday.

But it said the number of jobless workers edged up 0.2 percent to 2,440,000. The unemployment rate, which is based on a formula worked out by the International Labor Organization, was unchanged, the ministry said.

It said the number of French workers who are prepared to accept a job now and who are looking for long-term, full-time employment increased 7.1 percent from October 2002.

The number of unemployed workers rose one percent in September and 0.5 percent in August.

© AFP

                                                                Subject: French news