PARIS, Aug 14 (Reuters) - France's unemployment rate fell to8.5% in the second quarter from 8.7% in the first, according todata from the INSEE national statistics office, marking thelowest jobless rate in the euro zone's second-biggest economysince the end of 2008.
Six economists polled by Reuters had forecast on average anunemployment rate of 8.7% for the second quarter.
A steady improvement in the jobs market has offered FrenchPresident Emmanuel Macron some relief in the face of months ofstreet protests against government policies often criticised forfavouring the wealthier members of society.
(Reporting by Sudip Kar-GuptaEditing by Shri Navaratnam)