France Launches 2026 Campaign to Tackle Worker Misclassification

The Labor Administration of France kicked off a major campaign in early 2026 to address worker misclassification and reduce the use of contractor arrangements that reflect an employment relationship in reality.

The initial phase of the campaign encouraged voluntary compliance among employers, and the current phase, which runs until August, features targeted audits of companies. The hospitality sector — event planning, retail, hotels, cafes, and restaurants — is of particular interest to labor inspectors because of its reliance on service providers. Other industries may also be targeted if specific cases or patterns of misclassification are identified.

Once the current phase of audits is completed, the Labor Inspectorate will analyze and share their findings for use in policy design and enforcement.

Penalties for worker misclassification in France

French authorities treat worker misclassification very seriously, and penalties and fines can be heavy.

Workers who are labeled as independent contractors, but who work under the direction and control of the company are misclassified. Upon discovery, their employers may be required to requalify their contracts. Employers may face additional penalties, which can include:

• Retroactive payment of wages, benefits, and social security contributions
• Civil fines, criminal penalties, and personal liability for senior managers
• Liability for “concealed work” (travail dissimulé)
• Litigation and reputational damage

Civil fines can be damaging. Companies can face fines of up to €225,000 EUR, and legal representatives can be fined up to €45,000 EUR.

Companies in the hospitality industry should examine their relationships with contractors and proactively requalify any contracts that inspectors may question during an audit.

Sources: Morgan Lewis, Baker McKenzie