Employ someone for max 200 hours p.a. and not pay Social charges??

[Bjorn<STRONG>Bjorn.<STRONG>]

We have heard that a business (typically bars/restaurants etc.) can employ someone for a maximum of 200 hours in a year, and not have to pay the normal social/employment costs.

The reverse is said to be the case, where an individual can work for a maximum of 200 hours in any one year and no social costs are payable.

This is, of course, where someone is not working on the black; we are talking what is said to be all legal and above board.

Is this so, or just another piece of fiction?

[Val_2]

I usually do a little over this amount and have all the normal charges deducted from my salary including pension. However one year I only did about 100 hours and still had the same deducted so suggest you get it clarified by either your accountant or URSSAF to be clear.

[The Riff-Raff Element]

Bjorn - I have heard something similar from a chef friend; I have a feeling that this is a very "profession specific" exception for the restaurant trade. As Val says, the URSSAF should be able to help you.