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Work · France
Updated September 2026

🚻 I am being discriminated against at work — who do I turn to?

Direct answer

Discrimination because of sex, age, origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation or pregnancy is illegal at every stage — hiring, pay, promotion, dismissal — and the burden of proof shifts: once you show facts that suggest it, the employer must prove otherwise. Défenseur des droits — discriminations (3928) is the equality body for France: free, confidential, it investigates and mediates. Syndicat (CGT, CFDT, FO…) (service-public.fr) represents you; Inspection du travail (DREETS) (travail-emploi.gouv.fr) takes complaints and can inspect. Deadlines for a claim are short (often 2–6 months), so start now.

Call firstDéfenseur des droits — discriminations
Report toSyndicat (CGT, CFDT, FO…)
If that failsInspection du travail (DREETS)

🗣️ What to say

"Since [date] I have been treated less favourably than colleagues in [pay / shifts / promotion / …] and I believe the reason is my [ground]. Examples: [dates, facts, witnesses]. I ask for this to be investigated and stopped. I am also contacting Défenseur des droits — discriminations."

🪜 Step by step

  1. Write it downDates, what was said or done, who was there, how others were treated. Comparisons are the evidence.
  2. Internal complaintHR or the works council, in writing. Many countries require this step; it also fixes the date.
  3. Equality body: Défenseur des droits — discriminationsFree advice, investigation, mediation, sometimes representation. They know which claim fits.
  4. Union: Syndicat (CGT, CFDT, FO…)Representation in negotiations and at the labour court.
  5. DeadlineClaims for compensation or contesting a decision have deadlines of a few months. Ask Défenseur des droits — discriminations for the exact one on day one.

📇 All contacts

Défenseur des droits — discriminationsFree referral, investigation, mediationDiscrimination in hiring, at work, in housing📞 3928🔗 www.antidiscriminations.fr
Syndicat (CGT, CFDT, FO…)Advice, support at the labour tribunalFor members; you can join right away🔗 www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F2436
Inspection du travail (DREETS)Inspection, formal notice to the employerAs soon as the wages are late🔗 travail-emploi.gouv.fr/inspection-du-travail
Conseil de prud'hommesDismissal, wages, no lawyer requiredWithin 12 months for a dismissal🔗 www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F2360

❓ Frequently asked

Can they punish me for complaining?

Retaliation is itself illegal and separately compensable. Keep the paper trail — it is what makes retaliation provable.

I am pregnant and they cut my hours

Pregnancy discrimination is sex discrimination and pregnant workers have special protection against dismissal. Contact Défenseur des droits — discriminations the same week.

They say I was not hired because of "fit"

Ask in writing for the reason and the successful candidate's qualifications; a refusal to answer counts against them.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “discrimination at work who to contact France”
  • “equality body France complaint”
  • “pregnancy discrimination work”
  • “unequal pay complaint”
  • “age discrimination hiring”

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

🛑Harassment at work→⚖️Unfair dismissal→💼Unpaid wages→🧾Client won't pay→

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