The number of jobless in France has crept over the landmark two-million figure with the biggest rise for 15 years.

The unemployment total jumped by 46,900 in October that’s up 2.4 per cent in the month, – but 4.4 per cent over the year.

Speaking on French radio earlier, the Jobs minister Xavier Bertrand blamed the global financial climate, saying an economic recession in America is bound have a knock-on effect in Europe.

CHANGE

In Germany, the number of unemployed fell in November to its lowest level since 1992.

The seasonally adjusted total puts the jobless rate at 7.5 per cent.

But the national statistics office warned that the downturn will hit the labour market at the beginning of 2009, meaning Chancellor Angela Merkel will have to fight a re-election campaign with unemployment on the up.

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