Job openings in the catering industry plentiful, amidst widespread joblessness: Explaining the paradox
Restaurant owner Stephane Manigold, a foundering member of the Eclore group, has sparked controversy by accusing job seekers of exploiting France's unemployment system to avoid working in the restaurant industry. During an appearance on CNnews on May 23, Manigold claimed that some unemployed individuals are using government funds to stay home rather than take up positions in the beleaguered sector. The restaurant industry, he argued, has a demand for 22,000 jobs but only 16,000 unemployed individuals are available, with Manigold estimating that the actual number willing to work could reach 32,000 if those who choose not to be included in employment statistics are considered.
Manigold criticized the overprotection of the jobless in a sector under pressure, questioning why unemployment benefits continue to be provided for up to 18 months in a sector already dealing with stressful conditions. France Travail, the official labor market authority, has not been able to confirm the accuracy of Manigold's claim regarding the number of job seekers available for work in Paris. However, France Travail's annual survey revealed that recruiting for waiter positions in cafes and restaurants was the most sought-after job of 2025, and nearly half of restaurateurs reported difficulties finding staff.
It should be noted that French law requires job seekers receiving unemployment benefits to accept reasonable job offers, which are determined by an advisor based on various factors including qualifications, location, and the local labor market. Job seekers who refuse such offers without a valid reason risk facing repercussions such as removal from the job seeker list and loss of benefits.
Despite the persistent labor shortage in the restaurant industry, the situation has reportedly seen some improvement, primarily due to restaurateurs closing their establishments one or two days a week to provide employees with real days off. Another issue confronting the sector, however, is the high number of eateries succumbing to bankruptcy due to the challenging economic conditions.
The current regulation on unemployment benefits in the restaurant industry aligns with the broader French unemployment insurance framework, with eligibility and benefits determined by prior earnings, length of service, and contributions from employers, currently at approximately 4.05% of gross salary.[1][2] Changes have been made to employer contributions, but they have not altered the fundamental eligibility or benefit calculation for employees.[1][2] Job seekers with specific questions regarding their personal eligibility and benefit amounts are encouraged to contact Pôle Emploi directly or consult official French labor and social security guidelines.
- Stephane Manigold, a businessman in the restaurant industry, has suggested that education and self-development platforms could benefit from creative labeling to encourage more participants to join the workforce, given that there seems to be an underutilization of available talent in his sector.
- Concurrently, as France navigates the complexities of its finance system, policymakers might consider reevaluating the label of 'unemployed' to better reflect those who are unwilling to work in specific industries like the restaurant business, which persistently struggles with staff shortages.
