Chirac bows to protest pressure on jobs law

10/04/2006 - 09:21:58
French president Jacques Chirac, bowing to intense pressure from students and unions, today announced plans to replace a contested employment law that triggered massive protests and strikes across France.

Chirac’s office said a new plan focusing on youths from troubled backgrounds will replace the “first job contract”.

The contract would have made it easier for employers to fire any worker aged under 26.