(CPOD) Jul. 9, 2004 - Many adults in France want to modify the country's labour legislation, according to a poll by Ipsos. 43 per cent of respondents say existing regulations should be loosened, while 24 per cent favour enacting an in-depth reform.

A law put in place by the Socialist-led government in 1998 lowered the official workweek from 39 hours to 35 hours. The rule makes it difficult for people to increase their income by working longer days.

France's current unemployment rate is at 9.8 per cent, the highest in the Group of Seven (G-7) industrialized nations.

Yesterday, finance minister Nicolas Sarkozy declared that there is "no public opinion blockage'' on the matter, adding that French workers appear to be "open and flexible'' to any impending changes.

Polling Data

When it comes to the 35-hour workweek, which of these choices comes closer to your point of view?

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