Older People Are More Likely to be in Employment in Île-de-France and in Western France

In 2017, 61% of 50-64 year olds living in metropolitan France were in employment. The lowest rate is found in the Hauts-de-France region (56%), with the rate peaking at 69% in the Île-de-France region.

The rate of employment among older men is almost identical across all regions. The same cannot be said for women aged 50-64 years, with 52% of women residing in the Hauts-de-France region being in employment compared to 67% among women living in Île-de-France.

With a high employment rate among older workers, Île-de-France is not a typical region. This can be explained by the fact that managers are over-represented and remain in employment longer than other socio-occupational categories. In addition, more people leave Île-de-France at retirement age than in other regions.

In the western regions (Brittany, Pays de la Loire, New Aquitaine, Centre-Val de Loire), employment rates are higher than the provincial average, although these regions attract many older people at retirement age. Except in the Centre-Val de Loire region, the unemployment rate for 50-64 year olds is lower than the provincial average.

The employment rate among older people in the Hauts-de-France region is lower, as indeed is the rate of employment among 15-64 year olds more generally. Unemployment among older workers is also higher than in metropolitan France.