In 2011, household purchasing power slowed for the second year running. The median standard of living of the population was stable in constant euros compared to 2010, after falling the previous year (-0.5% between 2009 and 2010). As in 2010, these changes were contrasted depending on the position in the income hierarchy, which led to increased inequalities. Part of this increase in inequalities stemmed from the dynamism of very high incomes: they continued their recovery in 2011, owing mainly to growth in income from assets held. Monetary poverty still affected a lower proportion of the population in France compared to the other countries of the European Union, largely because of protection afforded by the French Social Security system. However, France is one of the countries of the European Union where monetary poverty has increased since the start of the crisis. Between 2008 and 2011, the rate of monetary poverty has grown by 1.2 points as opposed to 0.5 points in the whole of the European Union. As in numerous European countries (Greece, United Kingdom, in particular), poverty among those employed has increased. For 2011, the increase in poverty in France initially affected the unemployed and salaried employees. The poverty rate among the unemployed increased from 35.8% to 38.9% between 2010 and 2011. The rate for those in jobs went up from 6.3% to 6.9%. Those in retirement however enjoyed pension increases or minimum benefits that contributed to lowering their rate of poverty that year.