The sport sector in France represents €42 billion in annual contributions, including volunteer work. Its development would also increase productivity within companies.
At a time when the government is seeking savings on Social Security to balance the 2015 Budget, a solution could be to focus on the development of sports.
The Kurt Salmon firm released a study during Sports Week, which thoroughly examines the economic and social importance of sports in France. The study shows that sports participation could both reduce healthcare expenses and increase company productivity.
Here are some of its main findings in figures.
> 22.5 million regular participants
According to KantarSport sources from March 2013, the study notes that 22.5 million French people regularly engage in sports, which means at least once a week. The study considers individuals over 15 years old who participate in sports outside of school or university.
> €42.4 billion in annual contributions
This figure encompasses numerous sub-elements. Household consumption expenditures (sports articles) account for €16.9 billion. Subsidies and expenditures by local authorities account for €10.5 billion. TV rights (€1.2 billion), company expenditures (€1.6 billion), and those of the National Education (€3.8 billion) are of lesser importance. Notably, volunteer work is assessed at €7.5 billion, based on a minimum wage remuneration for 120 annual hours.
> 275,000 full-time jobs
The sports sector represents 275,000 full-time jobs. Of these, 105,000 jobs are directly linked to sports clubs. The public sector accounts for 115,000 positions. The sports goods industry (manufacturers, sellers) accounts for 45,000 jobs.
> €4.5 billion in taxes and levies
The sport sector would generate €4 billion in VAT. To this amount, €200 million in corporate taxes and €250 million in indirect taxes need to be added.
> A potential €5 billion savings in healthcare
The study estimates that widespread regular sports participation could reduce healthcare expenses by €5 billion. The study highlights two specific diseases where increased sports participation would have an impact: depression and diabetes. To achieve this €5 billion figure, about 10% of French people would need to adopt regular but not intense sports activities, such as 30 minutes of jogging per week.
> €4.8 billion potential savings for companies
Regular sports participation could increase productivity and reduce the absenteeism rate by 30% in companies, amounting to potential savings of €4.8 billion.
