Can under 16s work in France during the summer holidays?

Reader Question: We have lived in France for several years and our children are fluent in French. Our eldest is 15 and we want him to get a job this summer holiday, but asking locally it seems difficult to find somewhere that will take him on. Is it legal for him to work? 

There are several rules that limit the work that minors – aged 18 and below – can do in France. 

The rules are simple for those aged 16 or more, who can be employed for many kinds of work, either on part-time (CDD) or full-time (CDI) contracts.

However, they do also need authorisation from their legal representative – usually a parent (apart from in the rare case of them being subject to an ‘emancipation’ order by a judge). 

They may, as a general rule, not work in certain banned or restricted sectors for health and safety reasons, such as working with heavy machinery, with alcohol, in a slaughterhouse, near certain chemicals or at sites where they may be exposed to violent or pornographic content. 

A full list can be found here on the official Service public website (available in French and English). 

Exceptions to these rules are limited, though a relaxation may be permitted in certain restricted (but not banned) areas for work for a two-week temporary position for apprentices, if required as a necessary part of their training.

Business owners can be fined up to €1,500, doubled for a repeat offence, for not respecting the rules.

What about for younger teenagers? 

Rules are stricter for people below the age of 16.

Children under 14 can only work in the entertainment industry (actor, singer, on TV or radio, as a model) or as a professional video game competitor, and only if their legal representative approves. 

Children aged 14 - 15 can work during the school holidays, but permission from the work inspection service is required. 

The following conditions must be fulfilled: 

• The holiday period lasts at least 14 days (if working in agriculture this is reduced to seven)

• The child must have a continuous rest period where they do not work that counts for at least half of the holiday period. For example, for a two-week holiday they must spend at least one week not working 

• Must engage only in light work that poses no risk to their health, safety, or professional, physical, or moral development

• Cannot work more than seven hours a day, or 35 hours a week

Children must be paid at least 80% of the minimum wage (€9.50) per hour (this does not apply to working in the agriculture sector) 

Those aged 15 and above can also begin an apprenticeship, provided they have finished their studies for the year in the troisième year of secondary school (when pupils take the brevet exam).

What kinds of jobs may be suitable?

Possible options for teenagers for holiday work may include, for example, agricultural work such as fruit picking, weeding, sorting vegetables; delivering leaflets or newspapers, or helping in a local shop or boulangerie.

Volunteering opportunities also exist aimed at young people, helping preserve the environment or restore heritage sites etc.