What is the bonus-malus?

The bonus-malus is a modulation of the unemployment insurance contribution rate which is the responsibility of the employer.

Since 1^er may 2025, this rate is set at 4.00%. It may not be less than 2,95 % or more than 5,00 %.

The penalty corresponds to the increase in this rate and the bonus to its decrease.

The amount of the bonus or penalty is calculated based on the comparison between the separation rate of the company concerned and the median separation rate of its sector of activity.

Currently, the separation ratio is the ratio between the number of ends of employment contracts or temporary agency assignments followed by a registration of the former employee or temporary agency within 3 months at France Travail and the average annual headcount of the company.

From 1^er March 2026, the separation ratio will be the ratio between the number of terminations of employment contracts of less than 3 months and the average annual headcount of the company. The following will therefore no longer be taken into account:

• the termination of employment contracts with an effective duration of more than 3 months;
• the purposes of seasonal contracts;
• the purposes of employment contracts resulting from dismissal for unprofessional incapacity;
• the termination of employment contracts resulting from dismissal for gross or serious misconduct.

New Contribution Rate Calculation Formula

From 1^er in september 2025, the contribution rate will be calculated as follows: company ratio x 1.46 + 2.54 (instead of 2.59).

This amendment takes into account the decrease in the general rate of unemployment insurance.

Who does it apply to?

current Application

The bonus-malus applies to companies with 11 or more employees belonging to the industries with an average separation rate above 150% :

• water production and distribution, sanitation, waste management and depollution;
• manufacture of rubber and plastic products and other non-metallic mineral products;
• woodworking, paper industries and printing;
• accommodation and catering;
• transport and storage;
• manufacture of foodstuffs, beverages and tobacco products;
• other specialized, scientific and technical activities.

Application to 1^er March 2026

From 1^er In March 2026, the bonus-malus scheme will no longer apply to the “Woodworking, Paper and Printing Industries” sector as its average separation rate is no longer higher than 150% over the period from 1^er January 2022 to 31 December 2024 (period used to establish the new list of sectors affected by the bonus-malus).

Current median separation rates by industry

For the application of the bonus-malus of 1^er September 2024 to August 31, 2025 (third modulation), the median separation rate was calculated on the basis of the end of employment contracts or temporary assignments recorded between 1^er July 2023 and June 30, 2024.

These same periods are used to calculate the company separation ratio. Median separation rates are different for different sectors and periods:

The fourth modulation will apply from 1^er September 2025 to February 28, 2026. Median separation rates by industry will be reported soon.