I am a plumber - can I work during lockdown in France?

Yes, plumbers, electricians or other skilled professional can carry out repairs or deal with a breakdown at a customer's home during the second lockdown.

Any independent or artisan contractor called out during lockdown, must have a copy of their certificat d'aptitude professionnelle or CAP, proving they are qualified to undertake the work they are being paid for, and an attestation dérogatoire de déplacement, with the "Entre ma maison et mon travail" box ticked, the Covid hotline set up by the government told us.

This is in case of a police stop, rather than for the customer, the hotline said.

Workers must follow the government's national protocols, which were updated on 29 October. This covers every economic sector, and includes guides for workers in each industry, including those carrying out domestic repairs.

It recommends appointments are made by telephone only, as well as strict adherence to sanitary measures, including hand washing and the disinfection of both the workspace and any materials used. Any professional attestations required will be furnished by the employee's company, the Covid-19 hotline told us.

All contractors, whether independent or company employees, must wear a mask and maintain social distancing regulations.