The exchange of good practices is a key driver for strengthening job quality and enhancing the attractiveness of the domestic and home care sector. By facilitating knowledge-sharing among countries and stakeholders, EFFE helps identify innovative solutions, promote transferable models, and foster social dialogue at the European level. Acting as a platform for exchange is at the core of EFFE’s mission, which seeks to highlight local and national initiatives while supporting their dissemination across Europe.
In France, the Personal and Household Services (PHS) sector plays a vital role: childcare, elderly care, household support… More than 1.2 million workers are directly employed by 3.3 million user-employers. But how are these workers protected in case of illness, accident, or for their retirement?
The French social protection system is built on four levels:
On top of this, collective agreements are negotiated within each professional sector, adapting labour law to sector-specific realities (wages, training, social protection, etc.).
Since 1973, the IRCEM Group, a non-profit organisation, has been the dedicated GPS for the PHS sector. Its mission is unique: to protect both workers and their employers – who are often private individuals with no professional HR expertise.
Its main missions include:
A distinctive feature: 100% of IRCEM’s board members represent clients – both employee unions and employer organisations. This ensures that the system is governed by and for the sector’s stakeholders.
The French model, and specifically the role of IRCEM, highlights a best practice: providing solid social protection in a sector often characterised by diverse jobs and sometimes fragile employment situations. This framework helps secure the professional lives of millions of workers while supporting the families who employ them.
In summary: behind every PHS job in France, there is a collective system ensuring protection and security, with IRCEM at its core.
Sharing good practices is key to recognising, valuing, and strengthening the Personal and Household Services (PHS) sector across Europe. By highlighting concrete examples, we can learn from one another, promote fair working conditions, and support both workers and families.
The European Federation for Family Employment & Home Care (EFFE) plays an active role in collecting and sharing these practices, offering inspiration for policies and solutions that benefit millions of households and workers.
Do you know of another good practice in your country or organisation? Share it with us through EFFE and help strengthen recognition of the PHS sector across Europe.