France: The rise in the employment rate is virtuous
In France, the redistributive effects of the economic policies in place are a frequent topic of discussion . Fiscal and tax policies have benefited high-income earners and people in stable employment, but not the unemployed or pensioners. This has been widely criticis ed . But it is important to not overlook the virtuous effects of the rise in the employment rate: it has driven down the unemployment rate, including among the least skilled; it has attracted previously absent people back to the labour market (it has driven up the participation rate); it is improving the quality of employment contracts. These developments, and not just the tax policy effects, also deserve attention.