2025: A critical year for companies. How can you anticipate and safeguard your employees' future?
1. An economic context under strain
Alarming figures
According to the Banque de France, more than 66,000 businesses went bankrupt in 2024, marking an increase of +35% on 2023. This trend is set to accentuate in 2025, with the first quarter likely to see insolvencies reach 70,000 cumulative bankruptcies.
The main sectors affected are:
- ArcelorMittal: In November 2024, the steel giant announced the closure of two sites in Reims and Denain, affecting 135 employees. The decision comes against a backdrop of production overcapacity and increased international competition.
- Michelin: The tire manufacturer has announced the closure of two plants located in Cholet (Maine-et-Loire) and Vannes (Morbihan), impacting 1,254 jobs. The decision is attributed to competition from Asia and rising production costs in Europe.
The BTP : A decline of -15% in housing starts weakens many companies. such as Nexity or Vinci Construction.
- Nexity: The property developer has launched a restructuring plan in response to falling housing starts, a consequence of rising interest rates and materials costs.
- Vinci Construction: Faced with a decline in real estate projects, the company has reduced its workforce and postponed some worksites, particularly in the residential sector.
The commerce and the distribution: Household consumption falls by -12%, impacting both physical and online retailers.
- In November 2024, Auchan announced a redundancy plan threatening 2,389 jobs in France. The plan includes the closure of around ten unprofitable stores, such as those in Clermont-Ferrand, Woippy and Bar-le-Duc. The cuts also involve 784 head office positions and 915 in-store jobs, with the discontinuation of the direct home delivery business impacting a further 224 positions.
- Le Coq Sportif, although primarily focused on the apparel sector, was placed in receivership in November 2024, threatening 330 jobs. This situation illustrates the challenges facing French companies in a variety of sectors.
Services: Some sectors, such as catering, are recording a -20% drop in sales, undermining the sustainability of companies like theexporting : With the volatility of international markets, many companies are seeing their market share shrink, such as Dumarey or Anderton Castings.
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The aggravating factors of this situation
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Inflation and rising production costs: Companies face energy costs rising by +25% compared to 2022.
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Difficulties accessing financing : With interest rates on the rise, banks are restricting lending to SMEs.
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Fiscal and regulatory pressure: Increasing contributions and taxes are weighing on companies' cash flow.
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Changes in the labor market : Certain skills are becoming obsolete, complicating the professional retraining of affected employees.
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Changing consumer habits : E-commerce and new consumer expectations are weakening traditional players.
Faced with these challenges, companies must anticipate to limit the impact on their business and their employees.
The consequences for companies and employees
Companies going through a restructuring or closure phase face several crucial issues:
- Maintaining the confidence of investors and partners : The credibility of a company in difficulty is often sorely tested.
- Limiting the social impact of redundancies : A poorly managed redundancy plan can damage the employer brand and hamper future hiring.
- Managing employee transition : Ensuring rapid outplacement is essential to preserve the company's image and avoid internal tensions.
- Readjusting your business model : Survival often requires a digital transformation or strategic repositioning.
2. Outplacement: a strategic solution for companies and their employees
Outplacement is an approach that enables laid-off employees to quickly access a new job thanks to personalized support. It is an effective solution tolimit the negative consequences of forced departures.
Key figures for outplacement:
70% of employees supported find a job in less than 6 months on average in France.
80% of positions filled come from the hidden job market, accessible via professional networks.
Technology and artificial intelligence, which are experiencing +30% growth in recruitment.
The most dynamic sectors for retraining: health and personal services, with an increased demand for qualified profiles.
The environment and renewable energies, fast-expanding sectors.
Alphea Conseil key figures:
100% success rate since 2007 for candidates monitored by our firm and our expert consultants
Expertise based on dual skills: Supporting job seekers and recruitment
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Identify hidden opportunities in the job market.
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Tailor candidates' positioning to companies' expectations.
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Accelerating the return to employment with tailored strategies.
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To help companies preserve their employer image by better managing departures.
Anticipate to better accompanyEconomic forecasts for 2025 require companies to rethink their management of professional transitions. Offering outplacement support means not only helping employees bounce back, but also preserving your employer image and limiting the social impact of restructuring. If you'd like to anticipate these challenges and offer your employees a concrete solution, we'd be delighted to discuss it with you. Taking action today means securing the future of your company and your employees. |
Taking action today means securing the future of your company and your employees.
