An Unédic survey finds that 66% of French people believe the economic situation is worsening, nearing levels from the Covid-19 crisis. Job seekers show heightened pessimism about finding lasting employment. This concern stems from sluggish growth, geopolitical tensions, and rising layoffs.
On December 9, 2025, Unédic released its seventh 'Barometer of Perceptions of Unemployment and Employment,' conducted with Elabe. This online survey from September polled 4,500 representative individuals, including 1,500 registered with France Travail, revealing rising anxiety about the national economy.
While stereotypes about job seekers persist, concern prevails. Sixty-six percent of respondents see the job market deteriorating, up 16 points from 2024, reminiscent of July 2020 during the pandemic peak.
Contributing factors include sluggish growth, trade wars, and tense geopolitics, leading to business struggles and widespread layoffs across France. The divide between workers and the unemployed widens: 66% of job seekers doubt finding stable work, with one-third viewing the odds as zero.
The barometer highlights increased caution among employees and deep pessimism among the unemployed, mirroring France's uncertain economic climate.