France always lagging behind despite progress – the express

In progress, but still far from the account. Therefore, In 2024, 60.4 % of the 55-64 year olds – an age group which also included retirees pursuing an activity – held a job in France. Moreover, according to a study published on July 23 by the Dares, the Directorate of Statistics of the Ministry of Labor. Therefore, An increase of two points compared to 2023. For example, While this rate increases “almost continuously since 2000” in connection with the various pension reforms. Nevertheless, it is “its highest level since it is measured”, that is to say since 1975, the score remains lower than the average of the European Union (65.2 %), which places France in 17th position among the 27 member states. Therefore, Sweden (78.1 %) and Germany (75.2 %) remain in the lead, when France is just france always lagging behind despite better than Belgium (59.4 %) or Greece (57.3 %), Luxembourg closing walking (49.4 %).

In detail, 62 % of men (compared to 71 % on average in the EU) and 58.7 % of women aged 55 to 64 years (against 59.4 % on average in the EU) were employed in 2024. Meanwhile, “The employment of seniors in France is one of our weak points”. Therefore, recognized the Minister of Labor, Astrid Panosyan-Bouvet in early July. Similarly, A weakness that is both social. Similarly, economic: “It is an injustice, a human waste and an economic mess that we can no longer accept or allow,” she added.

The employment rate drops clearly as retirement is approached: 77.8 % for 55-59 france always lagging behind despite year olds, but only 42.4 % for 60-64 year olds-ten points less than the average of the European Union. The unemployment rate of seniors amounts to 5.2 %, lower than that of all assets, but job seekers over 55 years old remain without solution. “In the United States, we can be considered senior at 40. In France. it is rather around 50 years that we see a rocking point,” observed Sibylle the mayor, president of the Landoy club, in L’Express in November 2024. “It is a reality embodied by the gaze of others. The more we approach retirement, the more the opportunities are scarce.”

France always lagging behind despite

Persistent stereotypes on seniors at work

A phenomenon reinforced by persistent stereotypes on the alleged inflexibility of seniors. their supposed distance from digital tools, or their low adaptability. “Companies have to face several brakes when it comes to france always lagging behind despite better integrating seniors. ” confirmed Vincent Binetruy, Director of France of the Top Employers Institute, in our columns in May 2025. Result: many seniors are prematurely out of the labor market or struggle to come back. A paradoxical situation at a time when France is retreating the legal retirement age. while facing recruitment tensions in several sectors.

To try to stop this situation, legislative tools have recently been adopted. On July 3. 2025, the National Assembly voted for the creation of an “experience to enhance the experience” (CVE), a senior permanent contract intended to facilitate the hiring of the over 60s, or even over 57 years depending on the branches. Experienced for five years. this contract gives employers more latitude, who will be able to decide on retirement as france always lagging behind despite soon as the employee has acquired all of his full -rate rights. They will also benefit from exemptions from retirement allowances.

Improvement tracks

Another advance of the text: an obligation to negotiate every four years. within professional branches and in companies with more than 300 employees, on the employment of “experienced employees”. An attempt to give a lasting place to seniors in social dialogue. even if the proposal, coming from the left, aimed at including companies with more than 50 employees has been rejected. “Social democracy has fully played its role. ” said Astrid Panosyan-Bouvet, welcoming a “balanced text”, adopted almost unanimously, with the exception of rebellious France, which will not participate “in the re-entertainment of the forced work of our elders”.

In the field, the efficiency of the system remains to be proven. Between structural reforms and evolution of mentalities, the use france always lagging behind despite of seniors in France remains a site under construction.