The number of people out of work in France fell in August for the first time in more than two years, to 3.23 million, with 50,000 fewer benefits claimants. It is the biggest one-month drop since 2000.

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The French jobless rate has fallen for the first time in more than two years, according to government figures released on Wednesday.

The number of unemployed benefits claimants fell by 50,000 in August. It is the first drop since April 2011 and the biggest one-month fall in the jobless rate since 2000.

Unemployment numbers rose for 27 consecutive months up to July 2013, reaching a record of 3.28 million. That figure is now at 3.23.

Michel Sapin, the French Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Affairs, welcomed the “significant” drop in the number of people out of work, but warned against over-optimism.

“One month’s figures do not represent an absolute reversal,” he warned.

“Our objective is to reduce unemployment in the long term starting from the end of 2013. Just because the number fell in August does not mean that it won’t rise again in the coming months.”



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