A notable change in the pensions system has just been formalized with the publication of a decree which allows access to progressive retirement from 60 ans. This decree, published in Official Journal the July 23, 2025will be applied from the September 1, 2025. It affects a large number of workers and may well change the way the French think the end of their career.
Wider access to progressive retirement
The new decree puts the minimum age to benefit from the reform of the progressive retirement of 62 ans has 60 ans. This measure offers more flexibility to workers who wish to gradually reduce their activity while continuing to receive part of their pension. It concerns several regimes: the general regimeTHE Special regimesthe State Public Service regimeand those of agricultural employees and non-employees. Liberal professions and lawyers are not to be outdone, their old age insurance plans being also included.
The provisions come into force for pensions from the September 1, 2025. Thus, those who prepare their departure can consider their transition to retirement with more flexibility. This device was designed to encourage employment in employment while meeting everyone’s needs.
Social partners at work
This reform is based on agreements in the fall of 2024, bringing together several players in the world of work to promote the employment of seniors. On the employer side, this is the Medef which signed the agreement, while the CFDT and the CFTC represented the unions as part of the pension reform. These partners have mobilized to promote the use of seniors and facilitate the establishment of progressive pensions.
The goal is to make the end of your career less stressful and more in line with individual expectations. The Minister responsible for Labor and Employment, Astrid Panosyan-Bouvet, summed it up well by declaring: “The end of career must no longer be scary and strictly binary-full time or nothing-but must adapt to the desires and needs of each while encouraging the maintenance in employment as long as possible. »»
How does it work concretely?
With gradual retirement, from 60 answorkers can touch part of their pension while continuing to work part -time. To benefit from it, you must have validated at least 150 quarters. For example, an employee who works at 60% of his average time can receive 40% of his full board, thus facilitating the transition to a complete departure.
This flexible device allows everyone to adjust their pace between professional life and personal life while preparing their financial future. By lowering the age of access, we hope that more workers will benefit from this interesting option.
What consequences for the pro world?
Reduing access to progressive retirement to 60 years is a significant advance in adapting work to demographic realities. Astrid Panosyan-Bouvet also described this approach as “major advance”, stressing its importance for the French.
This development could lead to more employers to review their management of senior profiles and create a more inclusive working environment, in particular with the experience valuation contract. For employees, it is a chance to be able to adapt their pace of work according to their desires while preserving their financial security.
