The government asks the prefects to implement "action plans" for teleworking

This letter, consulted by AFP and co-signed by the ministers Gérald Darmanin (Interior), Elisabeth Borne (Labor) and Amélie de Montchalin (Civil service), recalls that the company protocol provides that teleworking must be the rule for the set of activities that allow it. Since January, the possibility has been added for 100% teleworking employees to come back one day a week if they wish.

In accordance with this protocol, Jean Castex on Thursday asked companies and administrations which can push telework "to the maximum" to set it up "at least four days" per week, an objective from which many companies "are still far away. today ", according to him.

The letter addressed to the prefects underlines that the latest available data "show a level of teleworking which remains lower than that of November for employees. In the public service, the level has increased but still remains insufficient in some decentralized services ", indicate the ministers.

The prefects are therefore invited to put in place action plans to "allow the full application of the rules". For the private sector, it could be "more systematic contacts with companies", or awareness-raising actions "aimed at the general public, social partners and chambers of commerce", the State administrations also being called upon to "intensify" teleworking. The prefects are asked to "bring up" the actions envisaged by March 22.

For months, the government has been urging companies to use telework. According to the Ministry of Labor, the erosion observed recently was "stopped", but without returning to the levels of November. Controls will continue, while at least 52 formal notices have been issued by the labor inspectorate since October.

The Prime Minister also announced Thursday a "significantly strengthened protocol for corporate catering", noting that "the time of meals in the workplace" is particularly at risk.

Consultations will take place Monday or Tuesday and the protocol will be updated in the wake of this single component, said the Ministry of Labor.