French Recruitment Intentions Fall 6 Percent

French companies are forecasting a drop in recruitment intentions this year. France Travail predicts a drop in recruitment intentions this year, with figures 6% lower than the lowest levels seen since 2018. Economists advise caution due to potential impacts from the Middle East conflict that began in the first quarter. Employers are reportedly favoring temporary staffing over permanent hires due to rising raw material costs and declining order books. The shift is described as an adjustment mechanism used when visibility is low. An economist from Bercin Géco noted that recent slight decreases in unemployment registrations should not be overinterpreted. France Travaille predicts a sharp decline in recruitment intentions for this year. Jobless claims in metropolitan France decreased by 0.2 percent year-on-year during the first quarter of 2026. This decline contrasts with a 2.4 percent increase recorded at the end of 2025. More than 3 million job seekers currently report no activity. Economist Sylvain Bercinger noted that while unemployment fell in the first quarter, the decline was relatively weak. The report follows a recent barometer assessing labor needs.