France looking at extending work week

35-hour week brought in by previous Socialist government

France is looking at easing the rules around its 35-hour work week, but the majority of workers want no part of longer hours.

The government is considering allowing workers to put in more than 35 hours in return for more pay if they reach a collective accord with their company and union, according to a report from the BBC.

France said the move would stimulate the economy and create jobs. But workers aren’t overly keen on the change.

A recent poll showed three-quarters of the workforce want to stick to the 35-hour week, a measure brought in by the last Socialist government. Only one in five (18 per cent) said they want to work more hours.

France’s unemployment rate is currently hovering around 10 per cent. It was hoped the 35-hour week would create more jobs, as more workers would need to be hired, but that hasn’t panned out.

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