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Uncertainty Rises, Recruitment Slows

How Political Instability Is Slowing Down Hiring: Insights from Le Figaro and What It Means for Companies, According to FIT in NETWORK®

France is entering a period of heightened uncertainty. Recent reporting from Le Figaro highlights how political instability is reshaping hiring behaviours across the country, with both small and mid-sized companies adopting a far more cautious stance. At FIT in NETWORK®, we observe similar trends through the missions requested by our clients, who increasingly prioritise agility and flexibility in their staffing strategies.

Hiring slows sharply, according to Le Figaro

Based on data reported this week by Le Figaro, recruitment dynamics in France are weakening:

  • Only 37% of TPE-PME leaders plan to maintain hiring (compared with 50% last quarter)

  • More than one-third are postponing recruitment

  • 27% are cancelling their hiring plans entirely

  • Among mid-sized companies, hiring intentions have dropped to 2%, their lowest level since 2020

The unemployment rate has also risen to 7.7%, with 44,000 new job seekers in the past three months — further confirming a slowdown in the labour market.

These figures come directly from the data cited by Le Figaro and cannot be interpreted as FIT in NETWORK®’s own numbers. They provide, however, an important context for understanding current market sentiment.

A climate of uncertainty influencing strategic decisions

The article notes that budget debates, political tensions, and the examination of the 2026 finance bill are fueling a widespread “wait-and-see” attitude among business owners. For many, visibility has become the number one requirement before committing to new hires.

At FIT in NETWORK®, this shift is visible in the type of needs companies express. Organisations continue operating, but they now prioritise flexible access to senior expertise, without the long-term risk of permanent hiring.

What this means for companies and how FIT in NETWORK® supports them

Periods of instability often accelerate the demand for agile solutions such as interim management. Companies still require expertise and leadership, but want to avoid fixed headcount commitments.

1. High-level expertise without long-term obligations

Interim managers allow companies to secure senior talent during uncertain periods, while maintaining full flexibility.

2. Operational reinforcement when hiring pauses

Even when recruitment is frozen, challenges remain: restructuring, supply chain gaps, financial oversight, transformation projects. FIT in NETWORK® supports these missions with certified experts ready to start immediately.

3. Adaptation to fluctuating market conditions

With a network of senior executives across Europe and the Middle East, companies can strengthen their teams quickly, without waiting for stable political conditions.

Visibility first, but expertise remains essential

As highlighted by Le Figaro, many leaders emphasise that clearer political and economic signals are needed before hiring can return to previous levels.
But the need for skilled leadership does not disappear — it simply shifts.

FIT in NETWORK® remains committed to helping organisations secure the right expertise at the right moment, supporting operational continuity while navigating uncertainty.

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With our direct access to over 30,000 experts worldwide, we operate from four main locations in Europe (Amsterdam, Paris), North America (Houston) and the Middle East (Dubai). We rapidly find for our clients the skills they need to realize their projects with interim or permanent resources in □ operational management, □ financial management and □ human resources management.

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