In 2021, the activity rate of those aged 15-64 years reached 73%. This is its highest level since the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies measured it. Insee highlighted this Thursday, June 30, as proof that France did not experience a “big resignation”.
During a meeting with journalists, Vladimir Passeron (head of the department of employment and income at the ‘Insee) stated that the activity rate for 15-64 year-olds had reached 73%. This is the highest level since 1975. This figure is defined by the International Labor Office, which adds the population in employment to the unemployed.
This high level can be explained mainly by the increase in activity rates of people under 25. It reached 39.7% in 2021 which is its highest level since 2010. This is partly due to the success of apprenticeships, which was driven by reforms and generous subsidies.
Seniors are also more active, with 69.3% of 50-64 year-olds now participating in activities. One point higher than 2020, and 15.7 points higher than 2000. to increase the retirement age.
“We have the highest activity rate and employment rates. The situation was not the same as the United States where there was some flight from the labour market. Actually, the opposite. […] There’s no big resignation,” said Vladimir Passeron.
France is still below the European average. However, the employment rates for seniors and young people are higher in many European countries.
INSEE projects a long-term increase in active population absolute value to 2040. This will see the population rise from 30.1 million up to 30.5million, and then a decline to 29.2 millions in 2070. According to the 2017 projections, the active population grew until 2070.
This downward revision is “mainly due to demography”, Sylvain Leraieu, head for the economic summary division at INSEE explained.
