France Launches Campaign Against Abusive Precarious Employment Contracts

France initiates a campaign in 2025 to tackle the misuse of precarious employment contracts.

Key Points

  • • National campaign launched on June 17, 2025, against precarious contracts.
  • • Precarious contracts account for over 10% of the workforce as of 2023.
  • • Campaign aims to encourage permanent employment over temporary contracts.
  • • Inspections by labor inspectors to ensure compliance from June to November 2025.

On June 17, 2025, the French government announced a nationwide initiative to combat the increasing prevalence of precarious employment contracts, which includes fixed-term, temporary work, and apprenticeship contracts. This campaign addresses a significant labor market concern; over the past 40 years, the use of such contracts has doubled, with more than 10% of the workforce engaged in short-term contracts by 2023.

The objective of this campaign is to promote job security by encouraging companies to transition from temporary to permanent contracts. The government aims to restore workers' rights to stable employment and mitigate risks associated with professional instability and workplace accidents.

The initiative will unfold in two phases; first starting April 2025, discussions will be held with social partners and business stakeholders to raise awareness about the importance of permanent contracts. The second phase will involve inspections by labor inspectors from June to November 2025, targeting companies known for misusing precarious contracts. These inspections aim to ensure compliance with labor regulations, with inspectors reminding employers of their obligations and suggesting penalties for non-compliance if necessary.

This proactive approach illustrates the French government's commitment to enhancing job security and worker protections amid changing employment landscapes. The campaign marks a crucial step toward addressing labor market imbalances and prioritizing stable employment opportunities in the country's economy.