Dismissal (employment) in France
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In French Labour Law a Dismissal is the breach of the employment contract by the employer. French Labour Law stipulates that an employment contract can be terminated by either of the parties.[1] The 2008 reform of Labour Law introduced the possibility of a negotiated termination (voluntary termination of employment).
In France the following types of dismissal are possible: Dismissal for economic reasons (redundancy) - the dismissed person may not be replaced. This type of dismissal can occur for the following reasons:
- Serious economic difficulty
- Technological change
- Organisational change
- Liquidation of the company.
Dismissal linked to the employee - an employee dismissed will be replaced by another employee. This covers the following areas:
- Not being able to do your job properly
- Due to serious differences with employer or colleagues
- Misconduct.
Compensation
Statutory Compensation
Statutory compensation is the legally binding minimum and may be replaced by a higher amount agreed between the employer and the employee representatives under a collective agreement. Employees who have held a position for more than 12 months are entitled to compensation for redundancy & dismissal (except if they have been dismissed for Gross Misconduct).[2]
The amount of compensation is one-fifth of the monthly salary (4.5 days), excluding one-time bonuses, per year of employment up to 10 years, 2⁄15 per year thereafter. For example, a worker with a monthly salary of €1000 in his fifth year of employment would receive €1000 compensation.
Collective Compensation
This replaces the statutory minimum if it exists. It is tax-free and no payroll tax applies.
Claim for unfair dismissal or redundancy
An employment tribunal can overturn a dismissal or redundancy. If you win your case, the tribunal can order the employer to do any of the following:
- Pay compensation
- Pay tribunal fees and witness expenses you've paid
- Improve working conditions
- give the employee their job back.
The amount of compensation can depend on the number of employees in the company and their length of service and salary.