That explains why Medef, France's employers' federation, has no official position on whether immigrant workers should be encouraged.

ECONOMIST: Bridging Europe’s skills gap | The

The head of France's main business lobby group Medef, Laurence Parisot, condemned Mr Hollande's new announcement on the 75% rate, saying it was an "anti-business signal" and a "do-it-yourself" policy.

BBC: French criticise 'DIY' President Hollande over economy

On January 18th, the general assembly of the French Enterprise Movement, known as Medef, decided by a vote of 96% to withdraw from the joint management with the unions of France's social-security funds.

ECONOMIST: France��s not-so-social partners