France: wearing the veil, a major obstacle to employment

A study by the National Observatory of Discrimination and Equality in Superior (Ondes), published this week, highlights a major obstacle to employment in France: wearing the veil.

Ondes researchers simulated applications for BTS Accounting-Management and found significant discrimination. Candidates wearing the veil saw their chances of getting an interview drop by more than 80%. This penalty applies regardless of their origin, whether French or North African. The simple fact of wearing the veil constitutes a barrier.