The low-cost airline Easyjet is accused of employing labour illegally in France.

The case is being brought by the French social security authorities, who are claiming over €10 million in unpaid social security contributions.

They claim that during the three year period between 2003 and 2006 Easyjet employed 170 staff at its base at Orly airport, which it did not declare to the authorities.

Easyjet argues that the staff concerned were pilots and cabin staff whose place of work was the aircraft and that the base in France was merely a 'rest area'. The company itself is registered in the UK.

Since 2006 French laws on the employment of labour have been strengthened, as a result of which Easyjet have been required to employ their staff operating out of Orly under a French employment contract.

Whether this should have been the case prior to 2006 it will be for a French judge to decide in the next few months.

The issue is also currently under consideration by the European Court, as a claim has been lodged with the court by Ryanair who consider the new French law breaches European laws on the free movement of labour.

The French authorities have stated that their position has nothing to do with the free movement of labour, but with the fact that both companies have bases in France and are, therefore, obliged to operate in accordance with the laws of the country.

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