Revision of the French Labour Code: limited reforms, considerable tensions

The ESPN Flash Reports are produced by the European Social Policy Network (ESPN) established in 2014 to provide the European Commission with independent information, analysis and expertise on social policies. The topics presented in the Flash Reports are identified by ESPN experts in the light of significant developments in their countries, or in some cases suggested by the Commission.

The ESPN is managed by LISER and APPLICA, with the support of OSE - European Social Observatory. For more information, please visit this website.
The reform of the French Labour Code in 2016 enacts laxer rules for companies regarding dismissal and working time. At the same time, it outlines perspectives for additional employee protection. It fundamentally changes the nature of social dialogue but fails to address key labour market issues such as support for jobseekers or social protection for the self-employed. It is unlikely that its impact will be felt in the short term.

Author: Michel Legros

ESO: Background information: France prepares for day of strikes as nuclear workers join labour protests http://www.europeansources.info/record/france-prepares-for-day-of-strikes-as-nuclear-workers-join-labour-protests/

ESO: Background information: French PM to use special powers to bypass parliament on labour reform http://www.europeansources.info/record/french-pm-to-use-special-powers-to-bypass-parliament-on-labour-reform/

---