The French government has officially ended the practice of 12-hour shifts for private security guards, effective May 1, 2026. The decision, announced by the Ministry of Labour, aims to improve working conditions in a sector often criticized for long hours and low pay.
Under the new regulation, private security personnel will now work a maximum of 10 hours per day, with mandatory breaks. The measure follows consultations with unions and employers, who had debated the impact on productivity and worker safety.
According to official sources, the change affects approximately 180,000 private security workers in France. The government stated that the reform aligns with European Union directives on working time and aims to reduce fatigue-related incidents.
Union representatives welcomed the move, calling it a 'historic step' for the sector. However, some employers expressed concerns about potential staffing shortages and increased costs, which may be passed on to clients.
