The law on immigration [1], passed on 26 November 2003, was seen as the first step towards a comprehensive reform of France’s immigration policy. On 29 March 2006, the Interior Minister, Nicolas Sarkozy, presented a new proposal for legislation on immigration and integration, which constitutes the
In late 2004, 35 French companies signed a 'diversity charter'. committing them to fighting labour market discrimination based on ethnic origin. At the same time, a report submitted to the government by a leading employers' representative has advocated proactive policies for recruiting among groups
In June 2004, the French government presented a 'social cohesion plan'. The aim is to take an integrated approach to social exclusion, seeking simultaneously to combat problems in employment, housing and society more widely. Trade unions and employers’ associations have been consulted on the issue
In February 2004, the French government announced that it is preparing to establish a single Equality Authority to combat discrimination in all areas and champion equality. The creation of such a body was proposed in a recent report by the State Ombudsman.
Over 2001 and 2002, a number of industrial tribunal rulings have highlighted the 'abusive' use of temporary agency work in the French automobile industry. The use of agency workers is widespread in this sector, and tribunals have found that in some cases this has exceeded the bounds of the law.
November 2001 saw the adoption in France of a new law to prevent discrimination at the workplace. The legislation adds new prohibited grounds of discrimination (including age and sexual orientation), adjusts the burden of proof in discrimination cases and makes it easier to bring court cases.
In March 2000, the latest report by the National Consultative Committee on Human Rights revealed a rise in racist attitudes and anti-immigrant feeling in France. The Prime Minister responded by announcing legislative changes to toughen up the fight against racial discrimination, some of which relate
At a round-table meeting held on 11 May 1999 at the Ministry for Employment and Solidarity, the government and social partners launched a new stage in the fight against racial discrimination at the workplace in France. This initial meeting concluded with the unanimous endorsement of a joint
The French Government has recently reviewed its position regarding the means-testing of eligibility for family allowance benefits. In June 1998, it decided to reverse the measures in this area it had adopted a year previously and to reduce the income tax allowance allocated to families - much to the