For Manchester-based businesses looking to expand into the French market, understanding the nuances of human resources management in France is essential.
From complex labour laws to mandatory employee representation and highly structured employment contracts, the French HR landscape is markedly different from that of the UK.
Boost’RH, a human resources consultancy experienced in supporting English companies with their French ventures, offers critical guidance to help bridge these differences and ensure a successful expansion.
The French labour market: Structured and regulated
France has one of the most regulated labour markets in Europe. Employment law is largely dictated by the French Labour Code (Code du Travail), which governs nearly all aspects of employee-employer relationships. This includes everything from recruitment and employment contracts to termination procedures, working hours, and occupational health requirements.
Unlike the UK, France does not allow for “at-will” employment. Instead, every employee must have a clear, written contract—either permanent (CDI) or fixed-term (CDD).
Termination processes are also tightly regulated and typically require a well-documented reason, such as economic necessity or employee misconduct, along with formal procedures that may include notice periods, severance pay, and consultation with employee representatives.
Mandatory employee representation
Another key difference is the requirement for employee representation, even in relatively small companies. Businesses with 11 or more employees are legally required to establish a Comité Social et Économique (CSE), a form of employee committee that plays a crucial role in workplace governance. The CSE must be consulted on major business decisions affecting employees, such as reorganizations, layoffs, or changes to working conditions.
This structure can be surprising to UK-based companies, where employee consultation requirements are far less prescriptive. Boost’RH helps new entrants navigate these obligations by supporting the formation and management of CSEs, training HR teams, and ensuring that all legal consultation processes are properly followed.
Working hours and paid leave
France also imposes strict rules on working hours. The standard workweek is 35 hours, and overtime is tightly regulated. Employees are entitled to five weeks of paid vacation per year, in addition to public holidays, and some sectors have collective agreements that grant even more leave.
Failure to comply with these rules can lead to significant penalties. Boost’RH helps businesses adapt their HR policies and payroll systems to align with these regulations, ensuring full compliance and avoiding costly mistakes.
Payroll and social contributions
The French payroll system is complex, with a heavy emphasis on social contributions. Employers are responsible for a significant portion of social charges, which cover health insurance, unemployment insurance, retirement, and other benefits. These charges can total over 40% of an employee’s gross salary, substantially higher than in the UK.
Moreover, payroll must be processed in accordance with strict legal requirements, including the use of specific software and reporting standards. Boost’RH provides support in setting up compliant payroll systems and can act as an outsourced payroll provider to simplify this process for English companies entering the French market.
Recruitment and talent management
While France boasts a skilled and educated workforce, recruitment practices also differ. There are cultural expectations around qualifications, job roles, and hierarchy that need to be respected. Job titles are more formal, and there is often an emphasis on educational background and certifications, especially in regulated industries.
Boost’RH assists companies with sourcing talent, drafting compliant job descriptions, and conducting interviews in line with French expectations. Their local knowledge also helps companies understand salary benchmarks and benefits packages that are attractive in the French context.
The role of Boost’RH
Boost’RH is a trusted HR consultancy with a deep understanding of the French employment landscape and a strong track record of assisting UK-based companies. With decades of combined experience, their bilingual consultants guide Manchester firms through the full lifecycle of establishing and managing HR operations in France.
From drafting employment contracts and setting up payroll to managing employee relations and compliance audits, Boost’RH acts as a strategic partner. Whether a company is opening a branch office, hiring remote French employees, or launching a full-scale operation, Boost’RH ensures that HR processes are smooth, compliant, and aligned with business objectives.
