Can the employer require the employee to work part-time?
Verified 29 September 2022 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
Yes, your employer can implement part-time hours in the company.
However, your employer must comply with the conditions set out in a collective agreement or a collective company agreement.
In the absence of an agreement or agreement, your employer directly sets the working hours in accordance with the minimum working time weekly is required.
Your employer should consult the Social and Economic Committee (ESC) if it exists in the company.
If you work full-time in the company, your employer may offer you part-time work.
You don't have to accept your employer's proposal.
The consequences for your employment contract are different depending on your agreement or refusal:
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The proposed reduction in working time is justified by economic difficulties
If the proposed reduction in working time is justified by economic difficulties, your refusal may result in a dismissal on economic grounds.
Other situation
You agree to work part-time
You must sign a agreeable to your employment contract.
You refuse to work part-time
Part-time work is a amendment of the employment contract.
Your employer cannot impose it on you without your consent.
You continue to work full time if you refuse to work part time.
In case of a dispute, you can enter the labor council (CPH).
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For further information
Telephone administrative information - Allo Public ServiceThe informants who answer you belong to the ministry responsible for labor.
Cost: free service
Attention: the service does not respond questions relating to unemployment compensation and representations to Pôle emploi, civil servants or public service contractors, the amount or payment of social, wage or employer contributions.
The service is available at the following times:
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- Wednesday: 8:30 to 12:15
- Thursday: 8.30am to 5.30pm
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- Labor Code: Article L3123-4Right to refuse part-time work (public policy)
- Labor Code: Article L3123-17Content of the agreement or agreement (scope of collective bargaining)
- Labor Code: Article L3123-26Application procedure in the absence of a convention or agreement (supplementary provisions)
- Labor Code: Article L1222-6Amendment of an essential element of the contract of employment