Fixed-term contracts, open-ended contracts, fixed-term contracts... We take a look at the different employment contracts
An employment contractexists when one person (an employee) undertakes to work for another person (an employer) in return for remuneration.
CDI and CDD are not the only contracts you can enter into in France. There are different types of contract, with different characteristics depending on the activity, duration, nature of the work, etc.
This article explains the different types of employment contract available in France.
What are the different types of employment contract?
Open-ended contract - CDI
Open-ended contracts are the most common type of employment contract in France, and do not specify a termination date. However, it can be terminated :
- By resignation (employee) ;
- By dismissal for just cause (employer);
- By means of an individual or collective agreement (mutual agreement between the two parties).
👉 According to INSEE, in 2019, 75% of people in employment have a permanent contract (CDI).
Fixed-term contracts - CDD
A fixed-term contract (CDD) is an employment contract concluded between two parties for the performance of a specific task for a defined period of time. It can only be concluded in certain cases specified by law, for example in the case of a temporary increase in activity or the replacement of an absent employee.
There are other types of fixed-term contract:
- Fixed-term contracts with a defined purpose, reserved for the recruitment of engineers and managers. It ends once the task has been completed (between 18 and 36 months);
- The senior CDD, reserved for people over 57 who have been looking for work for at least 3 months, or in the case of a personalised redeployment agreement.
Temporary employment contracts (CTT)
The CTT is similar to the CDD: it is concluded for a precise task and for a defined period of time. The change lies in the existence of a third party, a temporary employment agency.
This company concludes a contract with the employee for an assignment proposed by a "user" company.
Like fixed-term contracts, temporary employment contracts can only be concluded in certain cases specified by law, such as when a new employee is due to take up his or her post, or for seasonal jobs.
Apprenticeship or professional training contracts
Work-study students are recruited under an apprenticeship or professionalisation contract. This allows the apprentice to alternate training and work in the company.
Apprenticeship contracts may be concluded for a limited period (from 1 to 4 years) or for an indefinite period. In the latter case, the contract begins as an apprenticeship and then becomes a permanent contract.
Part-time employment contract
This contract is concluded when the working time is less than full-time or less than the legal working time in the company.
An employee hired on a part-time basis may have several employers, but the sum of the working hours worked must not exceed the maximum legal working hours.
Intermittent employment contracts
This contract is concluded in the event of alternating periods of work and non-work corresponding to fluctuations in the employer's activities.
This type of contract is used for permanent jobs which, by their very nature, involve alternating periods of work and non-work, such as certain jobs as trainers or ski instructors.
Other specific contracts
Site or operations contract
The worksite or operations contract is an open-ended contract in the sense that it ends only when the worksite is completed.
Educational commitment contract - CEE
The Educational Commitment Contract(CEE) is intended for leaders and directors of group childcare facilities in France. It is a special contract that deviates from the rules of employment law, specifically as regards working hours, rest and pay.
Seasonal contracts
This contract is characterised by assignments that are repeated every year on more or less fixed dates, but for a maximum of 8 months. It is necessary for jobs in harvesting, picking or the tourism sector.
Single integration contract - CUI
The single integration contract is designed to facilitate the professional integration of unemployed people experiencing particular social and professional difficulties in accessing employment.
In the commercial sector, it takes the form of a contrat initiative emploi (CIE), while in the non-commercial sector it takes the form of a contrat d'accompagnement dans l'emploi (CAE).
We hope we've shed some light on the different types of employment contract that exist in France.
But remember, before you start your recruitment process, take the time you need to assess your requirements so that you can choose the best type of employment contract.
Article translated from French