France: Recruitment and selection

Original and updating author: Mark Carley

Summary

• Direct and indirect discrimination in recruitment and selection is outlawed on various grounds. (See Discrimination)
• The inclusion of certain information in job advertisements is prohibited. (See Advertising vacancies)
• There are various rules relating to the information that can be requested from candidates and selection methods. (See Selection)
• A firm job offer constitutes a "promise of recruitment", breach of which may result in legal proceedings for damages. (See Job offers)
• In general, only individuals aged 16 or over may be employed or given an apprenticeship, and special rules on working time and rest apply to employees under the age of 18. (See Young people and children)
• There are restrictions on the employment of nationals of countries outside the EU member states, the EEA countries and Switzerland. (See Foreign nationals)
• Employers with at least 20 employees must in principle ensure that at least 6% of their workforce is made up of people with disabilities. (See Employment quota for people with disabilities)
• Certain groups of existing employees have priority if they apply for positions in their job category. (See Priority for employment)
• Before an employee starts work, the employer must send specified information to the local social security office. (See Formalities)