The number of payroll positions in principally market sectors in France climbed during the fourth quarter of 2010, official data show.

According to INSEE, the nation's statistics agency, there were 37,600 jobs added during the period in question compared with the previous three months.

The expansion of the employment market gained pace following a climb of 22,200 in the third quarter of last year.

A year-on-year rise of 0.8 per cent was recorded by INSEE, boosted by the 0.2 per cent quarter-on-quarter increase in roles.

The employment growth was driven by the services sector, which saw 43,000 jobs created in the fourth quarter of 2010 and 195,100 last year.

In related news, a study by McKinsey has indicated the internet has created new posts in France, with the growth of the online sector rising sharply and an estimated 1.15 million roles added to the labor market in the past 15 years.

Posted by Alex Donnell