On March 27, 2025, the Grand Chalon region celebrated a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to reduce unemployment. At the opening of the 7th edition of the Grand Chalon Employment Fair, Sébastien Martin, the President of the Grand Chalon, expressed his satisfaction with the latest employment statistics. He was joined by Thibault Guilly, the Director General of France Travail, who highlighted the positive developments in the local job market.
According to the latest data from France Travail, the unemployment rate in the Grand Chalon employment area has dropped to 6.6%, a figure that is notably lower than the national average of 7.3%. This represents a decrease from the previous quarter, which recorded an unemployment rate of 6.9%, and a significant drop from 7.8% in the last quarter of 2018. These statistics reflect the successful implementation of local strategies aimed at fostering job creation and economic growth.
Martin noted, "This is very good news! This decrease is proof that the local mobilization of all actors to combat unemployment is a key to success. We are proud to see our efforts in job creation and economic attractiveness bearing fruit, especially in a complex economic context. The Grand Chalon continues to assert itself as a territory where it is good to live and work." His remarks underscore the collaborative efforts made by various stakeholders in the region to create a more favorable employment landscape.
The decline in unemployment is attributed to a robust strategy that includes the creation of new diplomas, economic land development, and support for innovation. Since 2019, over 1,000 industrial jobs have been created in the area, with an expectation of an additional 2,000 jobs by 2030. This growth is supported by the establishment of new factories in the SaôneOr industrial zone, where nine factories have either been built or are under construction since 2018.
In addition to the local employment fair, France Travail is also promoting the “week of care and support professions” from March 31 to April 4, 2025. This initiative, now in its fourth year, aims to highlight career opportunities in the care sector. Over 1,800 events will be held nationwide, including webinars, job dating events, and workshops designed to showcase the importance of these professions.
This week-long event will feature a national webinar on April 1, focusing on professional immersion as a recruitment method in the care sector. Local events will also take place, including a health, social, and early childhood career forum in Bayonne, an escape game in Laon, and an inverted job dating event in Échirolles. These activities are intended to enhance the visibility of care professions and encourage recruitment in a field that is increasingly vital to the community.
The ongoing efforts in the Grand Chalon region reflect a broader trend across France, where local governments and organizations are working together to tackle unemployment and promote job creation. With a focus on industrial growth and support for key sectors like healthcare, the region is setting a precedent for other areas looking to improve their employment rates.
As the Grand Chalon continues to evolve, the combination of strategic planning, community involvement, and investment in local industries is proving to be an effective model. The upcoming employment fair and the week of care professions will further reinforce the commitment to fostering a robust job market, ensuring that the region remains a desirable place for both living and working.
In conclusion, the Grand Chalon's proactive approach to employment and its commitment to supporting key sectors are commendable. As the region celebrates its achievements, it also looks forward to future opportunities for growth and development, paving the way for a brighter economic landscape.