Service Employment: Complete Guide to CESU, Recruitment and Employer Obligations in France

What is service employment and how does it work?

Service employment represents a booming sector that facilitates the connection between private employers and employees for home-based services. Are you looking for a home-based job but don't know where to start? This scheme greatly simplifies administrative procedures thanks to tools like the CESU and specialized platforms.

The different types of service employment

The service employment market encompasses several categories of services. Personal services include cleaning, gardening, childcare, and assistance for elderly people. Each profession requires specific skills and tailored hiring procedures.

Private employers can hire employees directly or go through intermediary agencies. The choice depends on your needs, your autonomy in administrative management, and your budget.

The role of platforms like Hiring notes

Digital platforms are revolutionizing recruitment in service employment. Hiring notes makes it easy to connect recruiters and employers, offering an intuitive interface to post job offers and find qualified candidates.

These digital tools save time in the search process, give access to a broader network of professionals, and provide personalized support. The main advantage? Centralized management of your listings and applications.

CESU: Your ally for home-based employment

The French Universal Service Employment Voucher (CESU) is the essential tool for simplifying your employer procedures. This legal mechanism allows you to declare your home employee easily while meeting your social obligations.

How to subscribe to the Universal Service Employment Voucher?

Subscription to CESU is done online on the official URSSAF website. You must create an employer account by providing your personal information and that of your employee. The registration process takes only a few minutes.

Once your account is created, you gain access to a secure personal area. This space allows you to declare hours worked, automatically calculate social contributions, and generate pay slips.

What are the advantages of CESU for employers and employees?

CESU offers numerous tax and social benefits. Private employers receive a 50% tax credit on expenses incurred, up to €12,000 per year. This amount can be increased depending on your family situation.

For the employee, CESU guarantees complete social protection with pension contributions, health insurance, and training rights. This professional security is a major asset for developing a career in personal services.

Private Employer: Your Rights and Obligations

Becoming a private employer involves specific legal responsibilities. You must comply with the Labor Code, declare your employee, and ensure their social protection. These obligations may seem complex, but tools exist to support you.

How to hire a home-based employee?

The hiring process begins with a clear definition of your needs. What type of service are you looking for? How many hours per week? Which skills are indispensable? This preliminary reflection will help you draft a precise job offer.

Selecting the candidate requires a thorough interview. Verify their references, assess their technical skills and personality. Don’t hesitate to request recommendations or set a trial period to confirm your choice.

Which administrative steps must be followed?

The administrative formalities revolve around several mandatory steps. The Pre‑Employment Declaration (DPAE) must be made before the first working day. This procedure is completed online on the URSSAF website.

Drafting the employment contract becomes mandatory for more than 8 hours of work per week or if the employment relationship exceeds 4 consecutive weeks. This document formalizes the terms of employment and protects both parties.

Step-by-step URSSAF declaration

The monthly declaration via CESU regularizes your employee’s social status. You must indicate the number of hours worked and the gross salary paid. The system automatically calculates social contributions.

URSSAF directly debits the contributions from your bank account. You then receive the official documents: payslip, employer certificate, and summary of contributions paid.

Employer Obligations Checklist:

• Pre‑Employment Declaration (DPAE)
• Drafting of employment contract if necessary
• Monthly declaration of hours and wages
• Issuance of payslips
• Compliance with the legal minimum wage
• Subscription to work accident insurance
• Management of paid leave and public holidays
• Maintenance of a personnel register

Finding and Recruiting the Right Candidate

Successful recruitment relies on a well-defined strategy. Where should you post your ad? How do you attract top talent? Which criteria should you prioritize when selecting candidates? These questions deserve careful consideration.

How to create an attractive job offer?

An effective job offer combines clarity and appeal. Describe precisely the tasks to be performed, desired working hours, and required skills. Mention offered benefits: salary, training, potential advancement.

Your job title should be catchy and informative. Avoid vague phrases like “seeking help” in favor of precise descriptions: “Part‑time childcare for 3–6 year‑olds, downtown area.”

Using recruitment platforms effectively

Specialized platforms like Hiring notes optimize your candidate search. These tools offer advanced features: search filters, automated matching, and applicant management.

The advantage of professional platforms lies in their ability to target the right profiles. Registered candidates are actively seeking work in personal services, increasing your chances of finding the perfect match.

Candidate Selection Criteria:

• Experience in the required field
• Verified, positive references
• Availability matching your needs
• Required technical skills
• Interpersonal and human qualities
• Motivation and career project
• Proximity of location

Employment Contract and Remuneration

Formalizing the employment relationship protects both employer and employee. The contract defines each party’s rights and duties, preventing misunderstandings and disputes. Its drafting deserves careful attention.

Drafting the contract: mandatory elements

The employment contract must include the identities of the parties, workplace location, working hours, remuneration, and contract duration. For home‑based jobs, specify the tasks assigned and any special conditions.

Mandatory clauses include the applicable collective agreement, trial period, termination procedures, and paid leave. Be sure to have the document signed by both parties and keep a copy.

Calculating salary and social contributions

Remuneration cannot be lower than the legal hourly minimum wage. For personal services, conventional minimum rates may apply depending on the employee’s qualification and task nature.

The calculation of social contributions amounts to about 22% of the gross salary for the employer. This rate includes pension, social security, unemployment insurance, and professional training contributions.

Services Payable with the CESU

The French Universal Service Employment Voucher (CESU) covers a wide range of home services. This flexibility makes it the preferred tool for private employers wishing to diversify their service needs.

Childcare and maternal assistance

Childcare represents the largest expense for families using service employment. CESU allows parents to legally pay babysitters, nannies, and maternal assistants.

Parents benefit from substantial tax advantages for these expenses. The 50% tax credit significantly reduces the real cost of childcare, making this service more accessible to many families.

Cleaning, gardening, and personal services

Housekeeping and maintenance form a dynamic segment of service employment. Ironing, cleaning, minor repairs, and gardening: these services greatly enhance individuals’ quality of life.

Seasonal gardening enjoys particular growth. Lawn mowing, pruning, planting: these services keep outdoor spaces well-maintained without technical or physical constraints for homeowners.

Support for the elderly and people with disabilities

Assistance for dependent individuals is a major societal challenge. CESU makes it easy to hire care assistants, nursing aides, and support staff.

These services enable individuals to remain at home, a preferred alternative to institutional care. The positive impact on autonomy and well-being justifies public support measures.

Managing the Employer–Employee Relationship

A harmonious working relationship relies on communication and mutual respect. How do you establish trust? What practices help retain your employees? These questions determine your project’s success.

Tracking hours and leave

Work time management requires rigor and transparency. Keep a precise schedule of hours worked, absences, and leave taken. This organization prevents misunderstandings and facilitates the monthly declaration.

Paid leave accrues at a rate of 2.5 days per month worked. Your employee may take leave with your agreement, preferably during slower activity periods.

Training and career development

Investing in your employees’ training benefits everyone. Skilled staff provide higher-quality service and enhance their employability. Some training programs may be covered by collecting agencies.

Best Practices for the Working Relationship:

• Regular, supportive communication
• Respect for agreed schedules
• Provision of necessary equipment
• Recognition of work performed
• Flexibility in case of unforeseen events
• Support for professional development
• Respect for the employee’s private life

End of Contract and Termination Procedures

Contract termination follows precise rules. Resignation, dismissal, end of fixed-term contract: each situation requires specific formalities. Plan ahead to avoid complications.

Dismissal procedure

Dismissing a home-based employee follows the standard legal procedure. Preliminary interview invitation, written notification of reasons, respect for notice period: these steps are mandatory.

The dismissal letter must specify the exact reasons and contract end date. Depending on the employee’s seniority, severance pay may be due.

Work certificate and final settlement

At the end of the contract, you must provide several documents to your employee. The work certificate confirms the employment duration and duties performed. It must not include any remarks that could harm the employee’s prospects.

The final settlement statement summarizes all amounts owed: salary, paid leave, and any indemnities. This document is signed by the employee as acknowledgment of receipt.

Resources and Support

Service employment can seem complex for beginners. Fortunately, many resources are available to guide you through the process and answer your questions.

Official websites and documentation

The official CESU site offers comprehensive documentation on the necessary procedures. You will find practical guides, cost simulators, and downloadable forms.

URSSAF also provides specialized resources for private employers: webinars, FAQs, and a telephone helpline to clarify your obligations.

Personalized help and advice

Departmental information centers offer free, personalized support. These public structures advise you on all questions related to home-based employment.

Some mutual insurance companies and social organizations also provide assistance services for private employers. Check with your family allowance fund or supplementary health insurance.

The advantage of specialized platforms

Platforms like Hiring notes combine technical expertise with human support. You benefit from powerful recruitment tools and responsive customer service.

The constant evolution of legislation requires ongoing legal monitoring. Specialized platforms automatically integrate these changes, ensuring the compliance of your practices.