Partial activity (activité partielle) lets a French employer temporarily reduce or suspend employees’ working time during short-term difficulties, while keeping their employment contracts.
The employee receives an indemnity paid by the employer, who is then reimbursed in part or in full by a State allowance.
What the simulator calculates
- Employee net pay, usual and under partial activity
- Total employer cost, usual and under partial activity
- The statutory indemnity and the top-up for pay close to the minimum wage
- The effect of the hours worked in the month
This official simulator is provided by Urssaf, the French social security agency (mon-entreprise.urssaf.fr). It loads from its website when you start it.
Indicative result, based on the figures entered and the rules known to date. It is no substitute for professional analysis: check your situation with a chartered accountant before deciding.
What next?
The simulator applies the statutory rules. It does not cover salaries based on 39 hours a week, or top-ups provided by a collective agreement.
We prepare the payslips concerned and help you with the formalities. Read our guide to short-time work
Frequently asked questions
How do you apply for partial activity?
Through an online authorisation request on the partial activity portal, in principle before employees are placed on partial activity. In companies with at least 50 employees, the works council (CSE) is consulted beforehand.
How long can partial activity last?
Authorisation is granted for a limited period, in principle up to three months, renewable under conditions. The scheme addresses a temporary drop in activity, not a lasting difficulty.
How much does the employee receive?
The statutory indemnity is 60% of gross hourly pay for each hour not worked, with a top-up when the total stays below the net minimum wage.
Is the indemnity subject to social contributions?
Not to social security contributions, but to CSG and CRDS at a reduced rate. It appears on the payslip. See French payroll
Are the results reliable?
The simulator is kept up to date by Urssaf. It applies statutory rules: your collective agreement may provide for more favourable compensation.