Illegal work firms named and shamed

COMPANIES and sole traders convicted of illegal working in France can now be named and shamed on a government website, under new measures adopted on Friday.

A decree published in the Journal Officiel gives judges the power to require publicity be given to a conviction, with a "black list" set up on the labour ministry website.

They can choose how long the details should be visible, up to a maximum of two years. A company or self-employed person's name, business address and the nature of their conviction will be visible for all to see.

The measure is part of a July 2014 law aimed at targeting unfair competition in business and social security fraud through the use of undeclared workers.

Work minister Myriam El Khomri said: "This is the first time in France that a judge can add a condition to the sentencing that says it must be publicised on a website, accessible to all. The aim is to ensure transparency when it comes to fraudulent practices, and to warn potential clients."