In a significant development, social partners in France have reached a consensus on new unemployment insurance rules and measures to facilitate senior employment.

After intense negotiations, the agreement aims to ease the return of seniors to the workforce, aligning with the 2023 pension reform that raises the retirement age to 64. The deal includes changes such as monthly unemployment benefits and reduced aid for business-starting unemployed individuals, expected to save millions for the Unedic fund.

Additionally, the agreement introduces a 'contract of experience valorization' for those over 60, allowing companies to hire seniors with the option to terminate employment upon full pension eligibility.

While the agreement has been largely welcomed, some unions express concerns over the balance of benefits for seniors.

The government has praised the social dialogue approach, highlighting its effectiveness in reaching this accord.