France: specific long-term short time working scheme set up

The decree setting up a “specific short time working system” for cases of a “lasting reduction in activity” was published in France’s official journal on 30 July. The regime allows companies faced with a “lasting reduction in activity” to place their employees on short time working for a longer period (24 months instead of 6), with greater leeway to vary the periods of activity/inactivity provided that the employer makes commitments to maintain employment and that a collective agreement provides a framework for the measure.