Employment of seniors in France: what’s new to know in 2026

Law No. 2025-989 of 24 October 2025 introduces several key changes to senior employment in France. It makes it easier to recruit experienced jobseekers, recognizes the value of their career paths, and supports their continued employment.

A new contract to better recognize experience

The creation of this new open-ended contract allows people aged 60 and over (or 57, depending on sectoral agreements) to return to employment, even after a period of unemployment. This experimental scheme will run for five years and aims to reward experience and skills.

Career transition and career review meeting

The professional interview becomes a career pathway review, mandatory in the first year and then every four years. It takes into account current skills, their potential development, training needs, and career aspirations, including career changes, skills assessments, or validation of prior learning.

Mandatory negotiations on senior employment

Companies with more than 300 employees must negotiate every four years on the recruitment, retention, and end-of-career arrangements for senior workers, as well as on the transfer of knowledge and expertise.

Phased retirement and part-time work

Employers’ refusals to grant access to phased retirement must now be more clearly justified, thereby strengthening the rights of senior employees.

These concrete measures aim to promote senior employment, recognize their experience, and secure their career paths.