Advice for hiring a cleaning lady in France. Any way to run a security check?

Question

I'm in the process of hiring one and would like any advice regarding checking backgrounds, besides calling references. I will be paying by cheques emploi services so that it's legal and it's for our home. Any tips/suggestions welcome.

Answer 1

It is illegal for an individual in France to do a background check (= access criminal record) on someone else. What you can do is ask your prospective employee to submit an "extrait de casier judiciaire". Only she is allowed to ask for her criminal record (it takes two weeks to obtain), no one else (except some official authorities). https://www.cjn.justice.gouv.fr/cjn/b3/e...

She might find it a very strange request though. The best is to ask her for references or ask people you know (neighbors, your kids' friends' parents...) if they can refer someone. You can also hire someone through an agency: http://www.uncoupdemain.fr/

Answer 2

It is legal to ask name and address of former employer - and nobody will prove that you called him/her to have information.