Last Friday, in Limoges, Michel Barnier presented a plan aimed at supporting workers affected by layoffs and struggling companies. In response to the multiple current industrial challenges, these initiatives aim to strengthen employment and revitalize the industry. Although promising, many measures still require clarification, leaving questions about their concrete impact.
Prime Minister Michel Barnier presented an action plan to support laid-off employees and companies in difficulty. In the face of a series of social plans and factory closures, he announced the creation of a reconversion tool for employees for the year 2025. Furthermore, a new version of long-term partial activity, named APLD Rebond, is being prepared, requiring increased employer involvement in terms of training. The plan also includes funding to train 80,000 employees and the strengthening of the Economic and Social Development Fund to support large companies in difficulty. The government also wishes to use its strategic guarantee for national projects. Finally, a digital platform, “Weak Signals,” is being set up to better identify fragile companies in advance.
Michel Barnier and His Commitment to the Future of Industry
On Friday, November 29, Michel Barnier presented his plan aimed at supporting threatened jobs and companies in peril. The announcement took place in Limoges, in the presence of Marc Ferracci and Astrid Panosyan-Bouvet, key actors of this initiative. The government, concerned about the recent social plans, aims to demonstrate its dedication to the industrial sector. The current situation requires actions at both national and European levels. In connection with the discussions in Brussels, France has introduced bold proposals for the steel, automotive, and chemical sectors.
APLD Rebond: A New Approach to Partial Activity
In response to the delicate situation of automotive suppliers, Michel Barnier proposes an evolution of APLD. The “Rebond” version, a new tool expected in 2025, will encourage employers to train their employees more if activity decreases. This measure will require a modification of the finance bill. So far, the APLD allows companies to negotiate a reduction in working hours to maintain employment. However, its application has become limited since 2023. This strategy aims to provide targeted long-term support, although Frédéric Vion from CFE-CGC has expressed concerns regarding the gradual disappearance of these devices.
Strengthening Funds to Support Industrial Transformation
For Michel Barnier, the future of the industrial sector relies on training thousands of employees through credits from the National Employment-Training Fund. The government plans to intensify the role of the Economic and Social Development Fund, which will support larger companies in difficulty. In addition to these efforts, the state intends to shift its focus towards a strengthened strategic guarantee, aimed at national projects. With the creation of digital solutions like “Weak Signals,” fragile companies will benefit from early detection, thus offering a chance for adjustment before any major crisis. However, the measures still need to gain precision and scope to fully realize their ambitions.
