France records record job losses for business leaders in H1 2026

A record number of business leaders in France lost their jobs during the first half of 2026. According to data from the GSC entrepreneur employment observatory, conducted by the GSC association and Altares, 33,341 executives lost their positions, representing an increase of nearly 7% compared to the same period last year.

Small businesses are the most heavily impacted, with leaders of companies employing fewer than three people accounting for approximately 75% of the total job losses. However, the trend extends to larger entities; job losses for leaders of companies with more than 50 employees rose by nearly 52% year-on-year. Significant increases were also noted in companies with turnovers exceeding five million euros (+26.4%) and ten million euros (+47.3%).

The construction sector remains the most affected industry, with 7,718 executives losing their jobs, accounting for nearly a quarter of the national total. Other sectors facing pressure include commerce, accommodation and catering, and business services. Geographically, the Hauts-de-France region reported the highest increase in losses.