Definition
The former French works council body, now replaced by the Comité Social et Économique (CSE) since 2020, which serves as the single employee representative institution in French establishments with at least 11 employees, combining the functions of the former staff delegates, works council, and health and safety committee.
UK Context
Best Practices
- Establish the CSE promptly once employment thresholds are crossed and conduct elections in compliance with the Labour Code procedures
- Consult the CSE in a timely manner on all required matters and provide sufficient information for meaningful consultation
- Allocate the required operating and social activities budgets and ensure transparent financial management
- Establish the mandatory CSSCT commission in companies with 300 or more employees
- Respect the protection of CSE members against dismissal and ensure they receive adequate hours delegation for their mandate
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the old Comité d'Entreprise and the new CSE?
The CSE replaced and merged three former bodies: the staff delegates (DP), the works council (CE), and the health and safety committee (CHSCT) into a single institution. The CSE retains all the functions of the former bodies but operates as one entity with a single set of elected members, which the French government argued would make social dialogue more efficient.
When must a French employer establish a CSE?
A CSE must be established in all establishments with at least 11 employees over 12 consecutive months. The employer must organise elections within 90 days of being requested to do so by an employee or a trade union, or on their own initiative once the threshold is met. Failure to establish a CSE is a criminal offence (délit d'entrave).
What budget must the employer provide to the CSE?
In companies with 50 or more employees, the employer must provide an operating budget of at least 0.20 per cent of gross payroll (0.22 per cent for companies with 2,000+ employees). The social and cultural activities budget is set by agreement or custom but cannot be reduced below previous levels. These budgets are managed independently by the CSE.