Access to employment for people with disabilities remains difficult in France. Employment is the first area in which disability-based discrimination occurs.

Among the population of disabled people, specific provisions exist for those who apply for administrative Recognition of the Status of Disabled Worker (RQTH).

Nevertheless, the unemployment rate for people with RQTH (Recognition of Disabled Worker) is twice that of the non-disabled population, and the duration of unemployment is longer. In recent years, however, the employment rate of disabled workers has been rising.

France has a number of laws governing disabled workers. These focus on both mandatory quotas and the principle of reasonable accommodation to promote equality and integration of disabled workers in the job market.

Employment quotas: Companies with 20 or more employees must ensure that 6% of their staff are disabled workers, with financial penalties for non-compliance.

Reasonable accommodation: Since 2005, all employers must provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal treatment of disabled workers.

Principle of non-discrimination: The law prohibits denying access to training or employment on the grounds of health or disability.

Employment promotion: Recent legislation encourages direct employment through internships, apprenticeships and transitions between sheltered workplaces and mainstream companies.

For data on the evolution of the obligation to employ disabled workers, please visit https://dares.travail-emploi.gouv.fr/donnees/lobligation-demploi-des-travailleurs-handicapes-oeth.

More information is also available on the AGEFIPH website (Association nationale de GEstion du Fonds pour l’Insertion des Personnes Handicapées) : AGEFIPH