Radio France has obtained a 2014 report submitted to the French government which has uncovered that the State employs more than 48,000 people in “near black labour” situations.
The majority work for the Department of Justice in casual or freelance positions such as interpreters and mediators where the employees are often called on a daily basis and paid by the hour.
According to the report, undertaken by a watchdog for French finance and social affairs: “The Department of Justice applies no liability to payroll tax and assimilates the benefits of its employees without establishing conditions of their value-added tax.”
Several individual complaints by those employed have already been filed. “They are people who work exclusively at the request of police or judicial authorities. It’s 100% of their business,” said their lawyer, David Dokhan, to Radio France, adding that his clients had “no pay slip” and “no social protection.”
French Justice Minister Christiane Taubira (pictured) has ensured tackling the problem “head on” and that the situation is being regularised. A decree is scheduled for early 2016 to clarify the status of all the casual employees, with a gradual payment of social security contributions.
It has been reported that it will cost 500 million euros to rectify the problem.
Photo Credit: REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer