France: major labour law reform on the horizon

Beyond the announcements made on 15 July by French prime minister François Bayrou, as part of the public deficit reduction plan, the government wants to undertake broader labour market reforms. It is preparing to launch negotiations with the social partners to restrict contractual terminations, make working hours more flexible and strengthen social dialogue. The unions are already preparing to mobilise.

By Antoine Piel. Published on 16 July 2025 à 17h26 - Update on 16 July 2025 à 17h26

The French Prime Minister’s announcement on 15 July of plans to scrap two public holidays provoked a strong reaction, but it distracts from broader ambitions to reform the country’s labour market. Following Bayrou’s comments, labour minister Astrid Panosyan-Bouvet outlined the areas she intends to address with the social partners in two separate negotiations on unemployment insurance and labour law, which are due to begin in the coming weeks. Beyond the budget announcements that are expected to be included in the 2026 social security financing bill,…

Antoine Piel

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