Becoming unemployed in France – searching for jobs in France

Despite having the fifth largest economy in the world, unemployment in France has stood at over 10% for many years. Therefore, jobs in France are in scarce supply and the prospects for foreigners hunting for French jobs are not great. Your chances of finding work depend largely on the type of business in France you are applying to.

What you do if you lose your French job?

If you lose your French job, you should immediately register at the ASSEDIC, the French unemployment agency, and the French agency for employment, the ANPE. You will be given an appointment with both agencies, who will help organise unemployment benefit and aid you in your search for jobs in France.

When you began working in your French job, the business in France you worked for should have registered you as part of the social security system and made payments for you. Those who lose their jobs in France are entitled to benefits provided you have made at least six months contributions during the previous 22 months.

You are entitled to receive payments for seven months, if you worked for six months of the previous 22 months. If you spent at least 14 out of the last 24 months years working in jobs in France then you will be paid for up to two years.

The monthly payments usually start at half what your previous French job paid is stepped down over time. In order to be eligible you should be able to prove you are actively looking for jobs in France.

Hunting for jobs in France

You may find that a business in France is simply not interested in hiring someone who does not speak the language fluently. However, this may be less of a problem in areas with a high concentration of ex-pats and holidaymakers.

The process of searching for a job is similar to the UK. You can write off to a business in France or apply for French jobs advertised in the press or online. There are various agencies, recruitment centres and employment services to help you find jobs in France.

Unemployed at home and hoping to find jobs in France

Jobcentre Plus offices in the UK are supplied with details of jobs in France by the EURES network. This partnership circulates vacancies and provides up-to-date information on living in France and other countries within the network.

If you are unemployed in the UK and plan on living in France you may be able to continue receiving Jobseekers Allowance for up to three months following relocation. Those moving to France do not automatically receive French unemployment benefit.

Already living in France – what about starting a business in France?

Whilst starting a business in France can undoubtedly be a very profitable move there are also pitfalls you should be wary of. You should be knowledgeable about the local practices for business in France for a start.

Finding jobs in France is not easy. This is particularly true for non-nationals in France. French jobs are there to be found but they tend to be concentrated in a few types of business in France.