France to reform ‘overly complex’ labour laws next year, PM says

France's prime minister Manuel Valls said on 9 September 2015 his government intended to present a reform of what he considered to be 'overly complex' labour laws in the country. Such proposal would be discussed by the parliament early in 2016.

However, Mr Valls also stated that the proposed reforms would not affect the legal basis of France's 35-hour working week. The country's unemployment rate has been kept at almost 10%, amid promises of structural reforms demanded by other member states of the European Union.

In February 2016 Manuel Valls delayed presenting the bill to reform France’s labour laws following angry reactions from unions, students and even members of his own Socialist Party. The bill would now be unveiled to ministers on 24 March 2016.

ESO: Background information: New jobless record for Hollande's anniversary http://www.europeansources.info/record/new-jobless-record-for-hollandes-anniversary/

ESO: Background information: French PM goes all-in to push liberalisation bill through http://www.europeansources.info/record/french-pm-goes-all-in-to-push-liberalisation-bill-through/

The Local.fr, 09.09.15: France vows to reform 'unreadable' labour laws http://www.thelocal.fr/20150909/france-to-reform-labour-code-complex-2016

RFI, 09.09.15: French PM Valls announces new labour reforms http://www.english.rfi.fr/france/20150909-french-pm-valls-announces-new-labour-reforms

Politico, 11.09.15: France’s great 35-hour workaround http://www.politico.eu/article/frances-35-hour-work-week-reform-labor-market-economy/

France24, 29.02.16: France delays unveiling controversial labour reform http://www.france24.com/en/20160229-france-government-stalls-controversial-labour-reform-unemployment

Euronews, 03.03.16: French labour laws: how do working conditions compare? http://www.euronews.com/2016/03/03/are-french-grumblings-over-labour-law-reforms-justified/

The Economist, 05.03.16: France’s labour reforms. Working nine to four http://www.economist.com/news/europe/21693985-socialists-are-torn-over-move-dismantle-35-hour-week-working-nine-four

The Local.fr, 29.02.16: French government wobbles on key labour reforms bill http://www.thelocal.fr/20160229/french-government-wobbles-on

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