Temporary contracts are mostly used when covering workload increases or the absence of a permanent employee, and are also used with seasonal workers. Temporary contracts can be renewed as long as the duration of employment does not exceed 18 months. Fixed term contracts are used for employees hired to work between 6 months and 2 years for a set term. They may be extended twice, although if employment continues after the contract expires, the contract automatically becomes permanent. Permanent contracts include all the standard information about the position and also include a clause preventing the employee from going to work for competitors.
Managerial salaries are comparatively high compared to administrative positions in France.
There is no PAYE system in place and tax assessment can seem incredibly complicated, although generally taxation is comparatively low. There are many allowances and exemptions based on a points system and the income tax inspectorate will be able to clear up some of the initial confusion for new French employees. Social security contributions are high and French employees value the benefits these contributions allow as much as their actual wages. Fringe benefits are also well valued, and employers will often go as far as to help with housing and general welfare. Wages tend to be a lot more fixed through the country in comparison with the rest of Europe - with collective bargaining at a regional level setting the standard.