The National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (Insee) reported the French private payroll employment increased sharply in the second quarter of 2017.

According to the Insee's flash estimate, private payroll employment rose by 91,700 (or 0.5 percent) q-o-q in the second quarter after gaining 57,700 (or 0.3 percent q-o-q) in the first quarter. That marked the eleventh consecutive quarter of growth and exceeded economist forecast for 0.4 percent gain.

In the reviewed period, private employment rose in such sectors as agriculture (+900 jobs or 0.3 percent) and construction (+5,400 jobs or 0.4 percent), but was little changed in industry (-600 jobs or 0 percent).

In y-o-y terms, private payroll employment increased by 291,900 jobs (or 1.5 percent).