French to keep 35-hour law

Elisabeth Guigou, who took over as French employment minister in October, has confirmed that the French government has "no intention of modifying the laws on 35 hours".

Speaking at the beginning of last month she was responding to growing pressure from employers for the government to "soften" its attitude on reducing the working week as a result of growing labour shortages. While Elisabeth Guigou has indicated that she is willing to help companies as far as possible, she has also said that "the law will be applied".