France: austerity measures proposed in social security financing bill for 2026

Limits on sick leave, the end of social security exemptions for apprentices, and the introduction of additional birth leave: the 2026 social security financing bill, presented to parliament on 14 October, includes several HR-related measures. Overall, these provisions aim to curb social spending.

By Nathalie Tran. Published on 16 October 2025 à 16h56 - Update on 16 October 2025 à 16h57

France’s 2026 social security financing bill, presented to the Council of Ministers and submitted to the National Assembly on 14 October, seeks to cut the social security deficit from €23 billion in 2025 to €17.4 billion in 2026, with a goal of returning to balance by 2029. To meet this target, the government plans to rein in healthcare spending, notably by tightening rules on sick leave prescriptions.

‘Mobilising’ the various stakeholders

To curb the rise in expenditure related to sick leave (6% annual average between 2019 and 2023 compared to 3% over the period 2010-2019),…

Nathalie Tran

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