Youth Unemployment Is 'An Effect of the Current Conditions', Says Stéphane Carcillo, Economics Professor at Sciences Po

Unemployment figures are up 1.6 points over one year among 15-24 year olds. It is 21%, or 5 points above the European average for under-25s. “It’s a situation that has persisted for quite a long time, France has an unemployment rate among young people which is around three times higher than adults,” explains Stéphane Carcillo, professor in the economics department at Sciences Po, president of the group of experts on the minimum wage.

Also read The unemployment rate in France remains almost stable in the third quarter, at 8.2% If in Germany or in the north of Europe, "the ratio is one to two", the situation in France, in terms of youth unemployment, is quite close to that of Italy, Spain or Portugal. Youth unemployment is “an effect of the economic situation”, believes Stéphane Carcillo. “When the economy is bad, young people have more difficulty getting into employment because they have no experience and are often on fixed-term contracts, but when the economy restarts, they are often the first to benefit.

"Useless measures? In 1985, the youth unemployment rate oscillated between 21.5% and 23% during the year 1985, according to the ILO (International Labor Office). Which corresponds to that of 2026.

This does not mean, however, that the measures taken by the State have not been effective, believes Stéphane Carcillo. “There has been quite a bit of progress in terms of policy in favor of young people in recent decades, and the unemployment rate is not the only indicator.” We must also look at the employment rate of young people in employment.

“It was below 30% 10 years ago and it is now at almost 35%. “This shows progress. Apprenticeship is part of the processes that allow young people to enter the workplace more quickly, but “we need to better support” students who are not in this situation.

We must help those who don't know what to do. "We have to get them into learning through programs, just like those who are in professional sectors. "To better guide young people, "we also have to show them what the prospects are at the end of this or that diploma, of this or that training", explains Stéphane Carcillo, who offers numerous solutions.

Machine-translated from French