Long-Term Partial Activity “Rebond”: A New Employment Support Tool (March 2025)

Since March 1, 2025, a new long-term partial activity scheme called “activité partielle de longue durée Rebond” (APLD-R) has been implemented in France. This mechanism is designed to support companies facing a lasting downturn in activity without threatening their long-term viability. The measure has a dual objective: to preserve employees’ jobs and to promote upskilling during periods of underemployment. APLD-R primarily targets businesses affected by structural changes, economic challenges, or market shocks. To benefit from the scheme, employers must sign a company-level collective agreement or, failing that, draft a unilateral document based on an extended sector-wide agreement, following consultation with the Social and Economic Committee (CSE). This agreement must set out the duration of application (up to February 28, 2026), the categories of employees affected, the terms of working time reduction, and the company’s commitments regarding training and job retention. Employers are also required to produce a detailed assessment explaining the economic reasons behind the decline in activity and their recovery outlook. In terms of compensation, employees receive 70% of their gross previous salary, partially funded by the State and the unemployment insurance system (Unédic), with 15% remaining payable by the company. This rate may rise to 100% of the net salary if the employee undertakes training during the reduced activity period. The APLD-R is intended as a proactive employment safeguard, helping companies navigate transitions while protecting workforce stability. Should the employer fail to meet its obligations, it may be required to reimburse the public funds received under the scheme.