French pensions plan published


The expert commissioner for pensions appointed by the French government has presented his report on a new structure for pensions. Jean-Paul Delevoye’s proposals are likely to form the basis of the government’s own plans.


As expected (see Labour Research, July 2019, page 8), the report proposes amalgamating the current 42 separate schemes into a single structure, with an identical link between contributions made and pensions paid across both public and private sectors and all industries. 


Each €100 (£90) in contributions will produce a pension of €5.50 (£4.95) a year for someone retiring at the “pivot age”. But while the current retirement age of 62 is retained, the pivot age is 64, and those leaving work at 62 will get less.


Laurent Berger, leader of the more moderate CFDT union confederation said it “proves that it is possible to set up a universal pension system”. He particularly welcomed plans for full recognition of time spent not in work, caring for others. His main criticism was having a single pivot age for all employees, arguing that individuals should have greater choice. 


The more militant CGT said the exercise was a smokescreen and called on workers to mobilise against it in September.