France records decline in job claims

The reversal of unemployment trend is now underway, says President Francois Hollande

France recorded 20,500 less jobseekers in October compared to September, the lowest decline in job claims reported since May, government data showed.

"After a gradual slowdown for several months", unemployment in French monthly job claims fell by 0.6 percent to 3.275 million, Xinhua quoted French labour ministry as saying Thursday.

In a statement posted by his office, President Francois Hollande said, "The reversal of unemployment trend is now underway."

"The figures released confirm that the battle for jobs can be won. It will take the necessary time, month after month, to decrease the unemployment in France," he added.

The socialist head of state had set a one-year deadline to curb the alarming number of jobseekers. He recalled the need to energise efforts to bolster the country's waning growth and encourage companies' investment to create enough posts for millions of unemployed people.