Astrid Panosyan-Bouvet, the Minister of Labor and Employment in France, has unveiled a comprehensive campaign targeting the underemployment of individuals aged 50 and over, which she described as an "immense human waste." Speaking at a press conference, Panosyan-Bouvet expressed concern regarding the employment landscape for older workers, noting that many are unjustly viewed by employers as inflexible and ill-suited for modern technologies, leading to high unemployment rates among this demographic.

Currently, only 58.4% of workers aged 55 to 64 in France are employed, a stark contrast to Germany's 74.6% and 64% across the European Union.

The situation is even graver for those aged 60 to 64, with only 35% in employment compared to 61% in Germany.

The initiative, named "Employment for the Over 50s," comes with a budget of €1.5 million and aims to improve the integration of senior workers into the labor market.

The French government plans to reform France Travail’s operational practices, ensuring that all employment advisors receive specialized training on the transition programs for seniors starting in September.

This is in line with a broader strategy to engage various stakeholders, including employers and non-profits, through upcoming conferences aimed at fostering a more positive perception of older employees.

In June, the government is expected to introduce a bill that reflects the National Interprofessional Agreement (ANI) signed by social partners in November 2024. This legislation aims to facilitate the retention and re-employment of seniors by advocating for part-time work towards the end of their careers and developing a dedicated permanent contract for job seekers over 60.

Daniel Pigeon-Angelini, director of the employment committee for southeastern Val-de-Marne, stated that while the new measures are encouraging, significant challenges remain.

Pigeon-Angelini noted the ongoing reluctance among human resource directors to hire older workers, citing a recent incident where one director advised against receiving applications from candidates over 35 years old.

Conversely, some businesses have recognized the advantages of hiring older employees.

Sylvana Baratiny, who manages two agencies of Kangourou Kids in the Île-de-France region, reported that 25% of her 80 employees are over 50. She highlighted the value of their experience, although she faces the challenge of shifting client perceptions that prefer younger caregivers.

According to Baratiny, the experience of senior staff members can be viewed as a significant asset, providing reassurance and stability in caregiving roles.