Human resources United Kingdom

Recruitment in the United Kingdom: Differences with France and How Expandys Supports You

Drew Barrett
Author

August 29, 2025
Published On

Recruitment in the United Kingdom attracts many French companies looking to expand their business across the Channel. But be careful: the UK recruitment market differs significantly from the French model. Understanding these differences is essential to successfully carry out your recruitment projects in London, Manchester, or anywhere in the UK.

In this article, we explain the main distinctions between recruitment in France and the United Kingdom and why it is essential to rely on a bilingual recruitment agency that understands both French and British cultural nuances.

1. The UK recruitment market: more flexible and faster

One of the main differences between the UK recruitment market and the French one lies in the flexibility of the British market. UK labor law is more relaxed, with fewer legal protections than in France. This results in:

Often faster hiring procedures.
Shorter notice periods.
An approach more focused on results than on legal compliance.

Additionally, British companies are more likely to use temporary contracts, freelancers, or umbrella employment, while French companies often prefer permanent contracts (CDI).

2. A different approach to the recruitment process

In France, the recruitment process is generally more structured, with multiple formal steps (HR interviews, technical tests, thorough reference checks). In Great Britain, recruiters are often more direct and favor speed, with shorter decision-making timelines.

Job interviews in the UK also focus more on personality, adaptability, and cultural fit within the company, while the French market remains heavily centered on degrees and technical experience.

3. The strategic role of bilingual and bicultural recruitment agencies

Recruiting in the UK without a solid understanding of the local context can quickly become complex for a French company. This is why working with a recruitment agency specializing in French companies in the UK is a true asset.

An agency with bilingual French/English consultants and in-depth knowledge of both cultures will:

Smooth communication between French and British teams.
Adapt recruitment processes to the expectations of the UK market.
Identify top English-speaking talent while understanding the specific needs of French companies.

4. Expectations of British vs. French candidates

Candidates in the UK are often more comfortable with quick feedback and short recruitment cycles. They value flexibility, transparency about growth opportunities, and work-life balance. Conversely, French candidates place significant importance on job security and benefits (health insurance, paid leave, meal vouchers, etc.).

A Franco-British recruitment agency will know how to adjust a French company’s message to attract local candidates while maintaining consistency with the company’s values and culture.

5. Why choose a bilingual partner to recruit in the UK?

By choosing a recruitment agency that understands both the French and British markets, you secure your UK recruitment projects and benefit from:

Expertise in local HR standards and practices.
The ability to overcome intercultural misunderstandings.
Personalized support from defining your needs to onboarding your candidate.

Trust Expandys with your Franco-British recruitments

For over 15 years, Expandys has been supporting French companies in their expansion into the UK. Our team, made up of bilingual French/English recruiters, has in-depth knowledge of both cultures and the specific expectations of French employers and British talent.

Drew Barrett, our UK Country Manager, is the perfect example of this dual expertise: originally British but raised in France, Drew combines a deep understanding of French companies’ HR challenges with thorough knowledge of the UK market.

“French companies looking to recruit in the UK need experts who understand their business and cultural challenges while knowing how to attract and retain the best British talent. At Expandys, we build that cultural bridge every day for our clients.”
— Drew Barrett, Country Manager UK, Expandys

Whether you want to open a subsidiary in the UK, strengthen your local teams, or find a strategic profile in London or elsewhere, we help you secure your recruitment efforts and accelerate your success in the British market.