Work

Moving to France and need to earn a living? Be inspired and stay informed with our in-depth guides to employment and running your own business, as well as real-life stories and work-related news updates.

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Got a question about working in France? Get in touch at news@connexionfrance.com

Labour of love: meet the commuters who cross borders

With its beautiful countryside, culture-rich cities and idyllic seaside resorts, France is in many ways an ideal country to live in – but how far would you travel for the privilege? Gillian Harvey discovers the lengths that some people will go to

'Home' is taken out of homework

Ecole Albanie Lacoume / Pasco Olivier – CC BY 2.0

Homework and the primary school week are two areas where parents may see changes for their children in the next school year as the new Education Minister, Jean-Michel Blanquer, prepares for September’s rentrée.

Changes in tax collection under Macron

I read in Connexion that there was to be a big change coming in the way that tax is collected in France with income tax coming out of our pay packet instead of by self-declaration. Now that there is a new president, is that still going to happen and what are the deadlines?

First steps begin in plan to reform Code du Travail

France’s new government is set to move ahead this month with the first steps in its plan to reform labour laws, the Code du Travail, using edicts called ordonnances to cut delays.

All the world’s a stage for métiers

In the theatre actors are key but they can get vital help from the scénographe-décorateur who provides the stage that is essential for their performance.

Welfare cover for small businesses

I am self-employed but want to have better welfare cover in case of possible illness or unemployment. Is there a way I can pay for this as a separate cover as I do not have access to that provided for other workers?

Erasmus marks 30 years of new opportunities

The Erasmus exchange programme is 30 this year and although started as a way to open up opportunities Europe-wide for students it has now been expanded to do the same for under-30s and even older people working in education.

New apprentice age limit

Several regions are experimenting with a new, higher age limit for apprentices to give better employment opportunities for those in the 25-30 age group, hit by poor job prospects in past years.

Keeping paperwork used for tax returns

For how long do I need to keep paperwork used for tax returns?

Recruitment on the rise in France

150,000 more job offers in 2017 than in the previous 12 months

Open business database is a mine of free information

Opening up public information databases means professional details for any business, no matter the sector, are available for free online – which could save heartache for anyone planning a building or other project or even anyone thinking of buying a pet dog.

Historic skills at their fingertips

Mastering a craft is a skill to be savoured and France does a great job of protecting its most skilled workers, those who transform simple materials into something that becomes... simply desirable.

Instrument maker hits right note thanks to love of music

Luthier Pascal Douillard’s workshop can be found in Puyen-Velay in Auvergne – an unusual location for a lutherie, most of which are clustered in urban centres where instrument-making is most concentrated.

PAYE-style income tax system

When is France switching to a PAYE-style income tax system?

Fierce heat and a delicate touch create glass delights

Spinning delicate laceworks of glass or intricate shapes and globes, verriers au chalumeau or ‘lampworkers’ in English are a fascinating sight.

Keep business cash separate

Small businesses such as micro-entrepreneurs should have a separate bank account for their business to keep their personal moneys separate but this does not need to be a ‘business’ account (compte professionnelle), which can be costly.

Entrepreneurs not entitled to the dole

I am thinking about starting a small business but wonder if there is any right to unemployment or other aid if it fails? If so, do I need to have worked a certain amount of time to benefit?

Second-hand clothes help job-seekers make a great first impression

The unemployed in Paris are being helped into work – by a charity that kits them out in smart second-hand suits and prepares them for interviews

Artists learn how to earn at business classes

Les Réalisateurs business incubator links art and the commercial world, opening up both to new ideas

Marriage regimes can be problem for entrepreneur

Business or marriage difficulties could cause problems for both business and marriage

Working 'on the black' may cost dear

Britons receive suspended jail terms after being taken to court by Urssaf

Life of a music agent moves to a different beat

Denis Adam, 34, is a press officer and music agent living in Indre. He is also part of the team that organises the annual Indre reggae festival Issoudun Reggae Temple, which in 2016 takes place between 18 and 20 November