Rupture conventionnelle provides mutual exit benefits in France

The rupture conventionnelle, introduced by the French labour‑market modernization law of 25 June 2008, allows an employer and a CDI employee to end their contract by mutual agreement. The procedure protects both sides: the employee retains eligibility for unemployment benefits and negotiates an indemnity, while the employer avoids a potentially costly dismissal process.

The process requires at least one joint interview, a 15‑day cooling‑off period for either party to withdraw, and submission of the signed convention to the DREETS (formerly DIRECCTE). The administration has 15 working days to approve or reject the agreement; if no response is received, approval is deemed automatic. Annual statistics show a low refusal rate of roughly 5‑8 % and between 20 000 and 30 000 conventions are signed each year, reflecting its growing use as a peaceful alternative to resignation or dismissal.