A recent report from the National Institute for Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE) gives new data on the mortality gap between social classes in France. Between blue collar workers and managers, at the age of 35 years, the difference in life expectancy is about 7 years for the men and about 3 for the women. Unemployment is an important factor associated with higher mortality. Between the age of 35 and 64 years, the mortality rate of unemployed men is 3.3 higher than for the average of the male population. Social inequalities in mortality rates are strong and increasing for men, they are relatively stable and lower for women.

• Read the INSEE report [FR]