looking for work in construction

[alanjames]

hi everyone,

looking for advice regarding job opportunities in the bretagne region.

20 years of building new homes and renovating stone barns and farms in the uk,from setting out of works,excavator & dumper driver(cpcs cert card),groundworks,1st fix joinery work,roofing works-slate & tile, the total contract management of the works up to £1million per project.

excellent personal cv/portfolio on my skills and references.


need new challenge,can anyone give advice/help on the following

i specialise in the renovation of barns to residential standard? a friend has a home in the bretagne region and i would prefer to firstly come over in the next few weeks to get a feel of the area.

i would really appreciate any advice or thoughts.

alanjames

[Bevdeforges]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

First of all - how's your French? Whether you're looking for employment or to freelance on your own, you'll need a reasonable fluency with the language - if only to understand the various rules, regulations and registrations.

The idea of a scouting visit to check out the area is a good one. I don't have much familiarity with the construction trades here, but a few years ago the government passed legislation to encourage people to hire legit construction people by granting VAT concessions and tax breaks that require properly invoiced work by licensed professional tradespeople. Not that everyone plays exactly by the rules (and there are LOTS of them) but it helps simply to know what the rules are, no matter how you play the game.
Cheers,
Bev

[alanjames]

Originally Posted by Bevdeforges

Hi and welcome to the forum.

First of all - how's your French? Whether you're looking for employment or to freelance on your own, you'll need a reasonable fluency with the language - if only to understand the various rules, regulations and registrations.

The idea of a scouting visit to check out the area is a good one. I don't have much familiarity with the construction trades here, but a few years ago the government passed legislation to encourage people to hire legit construction people by granting VAT concessions and tax breaks that require properly invoiced work by licensed professional tradespeople. Not that everyone plays exactly by the rules (and there are LOTS of them) but it helps simply to know what the rules are, no matter how you play the game.
Cheers,
Bev

firstly,thanks for quick reply,
my french is at best basic,however i have met some friends who own a home in the bretagne region who have said that there are plenty of opportunities for people with my experience.

[giantpanda]

Originally Posted by alanjames

firstly,thanks for quick reply,
my french is at best basic,however i have met some friends who own a home in the bretagne region who have said that there are plenty of opportunities for people with my experience.

Hi!

Sorry: Devil's advocate again.

Now if this going to be official there is a lot of red tape, if you can get employed ( not as working for a firm ).

First you would need to register as a frim and pay Urssaf contributions ( definetely look into it è it is not proportionnal to your turnover ), and get Health Insurance coverage which you would have, if you can get an E106. ( valid 2 years ).

Working in France, implies that you are a French fiszcal resident, and therefore have to make a French income tax return, with your world
income ( NB. Since you declare income and taxes paid in each country, it may not mean paying taxes in France)

But see also:

Séjour des actifs : citoyens des anciens Etats membres de l'UE, de l'EEE, Suisses, Chypriotes et Maltais - Service-public.fr

Since you have the sensible idea to come over and see , you should consult the Chambre de Métiers, who may have useful tips for you, how itt can be best done, and what you have to respect;

Yours,

giantpanda

PS. Although French firms need builders they are not keen on employing them on a normal basis, because then thecosts of getiting rid of someone who is not reliable, or if they have no work is rzather prohibitive.