Angers, always more praised for its quality of life than for its economy

If Angers has, once again, been honorably ranked by a survey about the quality of life for households. In its latest issue, the weekly L'Express, which has analysed the assets of fifty French towns through safety, environment, health, transports as well as cultural and sports facilities, "Angers has numerous qualities which make of it a city where it is good to live. Families vote for Angers". Nevertheless, it is not sure the economical climate is equally attractive.

Two news recently published by La Maison de l'Emploi and the Angers commercial court let glimpse that for people who would leave Paris for Angers in search of a new job, things are less favourable. From July 2012 until 2013, the rate of unemployment has increased near 11 % (10.8%). On the same period, the number of laid off employees for economical reasons has also increased by 8%. According to the statistics about temporary jobs, the figures are also declining. Between February 2012 and February 2013, they decreased -16% what is not good auspices for the months to come.

At the Angers commercial court, the activity is not better. The number of companies having declared difficulties to the jurisdiction has increased : 428 during the seven first months versus 372 during the same period of the previous year, i.e. +15%. And the number of employees having lost their jobs was 2 380 vs. 2 230, during the same time (i.e.+7%). Those figures and the mood they drag will fuel political debates in the months to come about the ways to put things right.