Free Movement of Workers and the Self-employment issue. Th e Case of Th e “Polish Plumber” in France

Free Movement of People offers new opportunities for European Union citizens migrating into the single market. This does however, bring controversy and public debates. This paper’s focus is placed on the “Polish plumber” case – a symbol of social dumping. We study the European Union effects on the self-employment practices through the experience of Polish immigrants employed in low-skilled occupation in France. First, the reasons for setting up in France and the differences between labour conditions before and after the opening of the French labour market to Polish Immigrants are examined. The paper then discusses the self-employment career trajectories of Polish workers in France. Finally, we examine the impact that the Free Movement of Workers has on low-skilled occupations and the immigrants’ adaptation and integration into host society.