The French government has confirmed that its fixed-term recruitment initiative has been extended for a year. The fixed-term contracts, known as contrat à durée determine de mission (project-based CDD), were implemented on the 25 June 2008 and were set to run on a trial basis for five years.

The guidelines for recruiting employees on project-based CDD contracts are firmly established and highly regulated. It is applicable to engineers and managers only. Project-based CDD can only be implemented in companies with a collective agreement (accord d'enterprise) with unions regarding the use of such contracts. The contract must have a duration of 18 or 36 months and cannot be renewed. The contracts can; however, be broken after 18 months or 24 months should the parties agree that the project cannot be completed, or for another legitimate and serious reason. 

Project-based CDD contracts can only be used under three conditions; to replace an absent worker, to deal with an unexpected increase in activity, or to work in a position that does not necessitate a permanent employee, i.e. seasonal workers. All project-based CDD contracts should also have a specific project for completion for the duration of the contract. 

The project-based CDD contracts cannot be used in lieu of permanent contracts, to replace striking workers, to carry out hazardous tasks, or to fill a post made vacant by redundancy in the last six months.  

The trial had been due to end on the 27 June 2013; however it has been extended for a further year and is now due to end 27 June 2014. A Parliamentary report will be commissioned following the end of the initiative in order to determine its sustainability.