The relatively short working week was a flagship reform of the Socialist government in the late 1990’s that was intended to stoke job creation. But many employers say it has inflated labour costs and damaged their ability to compete globally.

‘No longer a violation’

After receiving a report with reform proposals from former Justice Minister Robert Badinter, Mr Valls said that ‘Exemptions to the legal duration of working time at 35 hours is no longer a violation of the law.’

Compensation calculated ‘differently’

The government has promised it will keep statutes stating the legal working week is 35 hours and that this will not be modifiable by employers or unions. However, issues including the adjustment of working hours over a certain period, paid leave and overtime pay will be adjustable through collective agreements. Furthermore, compensation for time worked beyond 35 hours will be calculated ‘differently’ to now (companies currently have to pay between 10 and 50 per cent extra per hour).

A revamp of the section on working hours in the labour code will be presented to cabinet on 9 March. Sources: Reuters; The Telegraph