Crisis adjustment strategies in France: The contribution of establishment-level data

Abstract

This paper explores the employment and wage adjustments and business reorganisation implemented by French establishments between 2008 and 2010, using data from the Dares REPONSE survey. Drawing up a typology of adjustment practices based on a statistical classification, it reveals a diversity of practices illustrating the complementarity of these adjustments. Then the paper analyses the characteristics of the different classes of establishments and the links between practices, the flexibility levers available to the establishments and their economic and financial dependency relationships, taking into account the diversity of economic and social contexts. While recourse to temporary contracts and subcontracting does not seem to be significant, the use of flexible pay components (individual pay rises and performance bonuses) and worker versatility affect the adjustments made by establishments. Likewise, being majority foreign-owned, being a subsidiary of a (listed or unlisted) group, or being part of a subcontracting chain emerge from the analysis as significant factors affecting these adjustments.