Conditions for accessing the short-time working scheme
Partial activity (activité partielle) is a government scheme that allows businesses experiencing a temporary downturn to reduce their employees’ working hours, or to place them on temporary suspension, whilst paying them a compensatory allowance that is partly funded by the State. It is a job-retention mechanism designed to prevent redundancies in times of crisis.
Since 28 February 2026, the consequences of the conflict in the Middle East — in particular the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz and widespread disruption to air traffic in the region — have affected the operations of a number of French businesses. The Ministry of Labour has clarified the conditions under which companies may access short-time working arrangements in this context.
Two categories of business may be eligible. Firstly, freight and logistics operators and other companies directly impacted by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz or air traffic disruption may invoke the ground of “exceptional circumstances“. Separately, businesses experiencing supply chain disruptions in raw materials linked to the conflict may rely on the “supply difficulties” ground.
In both cases, the company must demonstrate: (i) a direct causal link between its activities and the consequences of the conflict; (ii) the impossibility of implementing alternative measures to offset the drop in activity; and (iii) for the first ground, the absence of any contractual clause covering such losses. Each application is assessed on its own merits by the local employment authorities (DDETS).
Companies experiencing a decline in activity attributable only to indirect consequences of the conflict, such as rising fuel or commodity prices, or a general deterioration in the economic climate, are not eligible.
Urssaf to grant payment deferrals to businesses facing financial hardship due to rising energy costs
Urssaf – Press Release of 30 March 2026
In response to the recent spike in energy and fuel prices, Urssaf (France’s social contributions collection body) announced on 30 March 2026 a package of support measures for businesses whose operations are affected. Employers in difficulty may apply to defer payment of employer social contributions, spreading payments over a period of up to 12 months or longer in exceptional circumstances.
One condition is non-negotiable: all contributions borne by the employee must have been paid in full before a deferral can be granted. Where the agreed payment schedule is honoured in its entirety, any late payment surcharges that have accrued will be waived at the end of the deferral period. Businesses are encouraged to contact their local Urssaf office directly to discuss the most appropriate arrangement for their situation.
