The year 2025 marks a major turning point in the French legal landscape with the implementation of several labor law reforms. Whether you're an employee or employer, these changes directly impact your rights and obligations. Here are the essential measures you need to understand.
New Unemployment Insurance Agreement Since April 2025
The unemployment insurance agreement has been thoroughly reformed with major changes effective April 1, 2025. Benefits are now calculated monthly based on 30 calendar days, eliminating variations depending on the number of days in the month. This measure greatly simplifies calculations for job seekers.
For seasonal workers, the minimum activity period required to qualify for unemployment insurance has been reduced from 6 to 5 months, or 108 days worked. This represents significant progress for a sector particularly affected by job insecurity.
Value Sharing: A Requirement for Small Businesses
Starting January 1, 2025, companies with 11 to 49 employees must implement a value-sharing mechanism. This five-year experimental measure aims to better associate employees with their company's performance. Employers can choose from three options: profit-sharing, incentive bonuses, or value-sharing premiums.
Paid Leave During Sick Leave
The introduction of the DDADUE law allows employees to accumulate vacation days even during periods of occupational illness or workplace accidents. This alignment with European directives significantly strengthens workers' rights and requires companies to revise their HR policies.
Mandatory Salary Transparency
Starting in 2025, companies must include salary information in their job postings. This measure promotes transparency and pay equity, enabling candidates to better evaluate professional opportunities.
Full Employment Law and Enhanced Support
The full employment law is being rolled out with automatic registration of all RSA (minimum income) recipients with France Travail, who receive personalized and intensive support. This reform aims to facilitate the return to employment for people furthest from the job market.
Apprenticeship: Adjusted Support
Apprenticeship hiring incentives are evolving in 2025 with modulation based on company size: €5,000 for organizations with fewer than 250 employees and €2,000 for larger ones. Apprentices with disabilities benefit from continued support of €6,000.
These regulations reflect a desire to modernize French labor law, balancing employee protection with flexibility for businesses. Stay informed and don't hesitate to consult an expert to adapt your practices to these new legal requirements.
