Work

The unemployment rate in France went down earlier this year for the first time in six years. It means that it has dropped from its record of 10.5% in 2013 to 8.5% (March-June 2019 figure). But the rate is still one of the highest in Europe, although behind Greece, Spain and Italy. We look at two schemes that France uses to get people into work, including a network of 110 “pretend” offices where 7,000 people go to “work” every day across the country.

Businesses now have a single site to declare turnover and pay social charges. 

Paid maternity leave for independent workers has been lengthened so that it now covers the same number of weeks as for salaried employees.

What are the Loi Madelin insurance policies for the self-employed?

A firm in Italy wants to employ me working from home in France. Is it possible?  H.E.

Christophe Allegri has worked with stone for 30 years after discovering his interest in architecture during student antics climbing on scaffolding, pipes and church guttering

How can we take action against an artisan whose work on our patio was shoddy? It cost more than €5,000 and the paving slabs are loose and wobbly. In the UK we would go to a small claims court. A.B.

The Cesu home worker payment system is convenient for employing a gardener, cleaner or childcare help at your home but you must abide by certain rules if you wish to stop the work.

A large house in a French village hides a surprising business: hand-made Scottish kilts.

Old Airbus aeroplane parts are being used to create unusual furniture, such as chairs made from nose-cones and tables from plane exhausts, for homes and offices.

Cotisation foncière des entreprises (CFE) is an annual  tax paid by businesses, including sole traders. 

I have just received my income tax statement (avis) and I believe there is a mistake in the calculation. How can I contest this? 

Modern-day careers in the age-old art of bookbinding

Strict interpretation of 2006 decree forcing private beaches to reduce in size

At the end of 2018, France's jobs agency Pôle Emploi said there were 286,000 unfilled jobs in the sector