Is it possible to work in a temporary job while having a permanent contract?
18 July 2025 · 4 min reading time
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See job offersCan you combine a permanent employment contract (CDI) with a temporary job?
This question often arises among employees looking to supplement their income or take advantage of occasional opportunities. While the French Labour Code does not explicitly prohibit this kind of arrangement, it does regulate it through precise rules. Contract clauses, legal working hours, and obligations to both employers must be considered before starting.
This type of combination may seem attractive, especially in cases of part-time work or reduced activity. However, it requires strict organization and a thorough understanding of the legal framework to avoid risky situations for both the employee and the employers.
Is it legal to combine a CDI with a temporary assignment?
Yes, it is legally possible to combine a CDI with a temporary job, provided that certain rules from the Labour Code are respected. There is no general prohibition against holding multiple jobs, but limitations are in place to protect employee health and ensure transparency between employers.
The first thing to check is whether your CDI includes an exclusivity clause. If this clause exists, it prevents you from engaging in any other professional activity unless your employer gives written authorization. Without such a clause, combining jobs is allowed—as long as you respect the rules on working hours and rest time.
What are the conditions for combining temp work and a CDI?
Combining a CDI with a temporary assignment is possible, but only if certain rules are respected. These mainly concern working hours, rest time, and contractual obligations. Here are the main points to keep in mind:
Maximum working hours
The law sets a weekly limit of 48 hours of work, across all contracts. This limit must not be exceeded except in very specific, justified cases (temporary exemptions allow up to 66 hours). In practice, your main job and your temporary job must fit within this limit.
Required rest periods
Every employee must receive at least 11 consecutive hours of rest between workdays, plus 24 hours of weekly rest, in addition to daily rest. These periods must be strictly respected when holding two jobs, or you may face sanctions from labor authorities.
Reviewing your contract clauses
Before combining a temp job with a CDI, you should carefully review your main contract. Many include an exclusivity clause that forbids any other professional activity, even temporarily.
This clause is designed to protect the interests of your primary employer, especially in cases of direct competition, risk of fatigue, or conflicts of loyalty. It's common in sectors like banking, insurance, IT, or high-responsibility roles.
If such a clause is included, you legally cannot take a temp job without written permission from your employer. If not, you may combine roles, provided the other conditions (working time, rest) are also respected.
Note: Even without a formal clause, the duty of loyalty still applies. You should avoid any second job that could affect your performance, availability, or your company’s reputation.
💡 Good to know: different rules in public vs. private sectors If you're in the private sector, combining a CDI and a temporary assignment is allowed, provided you follow the working hours rules and no exclusivity clause applies.In the public sector, such combinations are more restricted or even forbidden. A full-time public servant usually cannot take on temporary work, except in exceptional cases. Those working less than 70% may be allowed to do so, with formal administrative approval.
What are the risks if you don’t respect these rules?
Failing to comply with the legal framework for combining a CDI and temp work can lead to serious legal and financial consequences.
According to the Labour Code, the maximum weekly working time is 48 hours (or 44 hours on average over 12 weeks). If you exceed this limit, you risk a fine of up to €1,500, or €3,000 in case of repeat offenses. Employers may also be penalized if they are aware and don’t take action.
Not respecting the mandatory rest periods (11 hours per day and 24 hours per week) is also considered an offense, which may trigger inspections by labor authorities or the DIRECCTE. They may issue administrative fines of €2,000 per employee concerned, doubled in case of recurrence.
The exclusivity clause is another major point. If you violate it, you risk dismissal for serious misconduct, especially if there’s any harm to the employer. Even without a clause, the duty of loyalty applies, and any job that affects your performance or creates a conflict of interest may be sanctioned.
In the most severe cases—such as illegal subcontracting or undeclared labor lending—penalties can reach €150,000 in fines and prison sentences, usually for the employer but not exclusively.
👉 To stay safe, it’s essential to follow working time rules, review your contract, and be transparent with your employers.
How to organize your schedule when combining a CDI and temp work?
Holding two jobs requires strong organization. It’s recommended to:
- Plan your schedule in advance
- Ensure enough rest periods
- Inform both employers of your situation when possible
The goal is to maintain good performance in both positions while protecting your well-being. If you start feeling overwhelmed, consider talking with your temp agency or adjusting your commitments to avoid burnout.
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