Overdue payments: these evasive public officials owe a substantial amount to the government
Leaving the Public Sector: A Costly Decision
Saying goodbye to public service before your time may cost you dearly, according to the latest report by the Court of Auditors on mobility between the private and public sectors, unveiled on 14 May. The report spotlights "pantoufles," or public servants who bid adieu to the civil service prematurely.
If you've attended one of the country's elite schools, such as ENA (now INSP), Polytechnique, or the Higher Normal Schools (ENS), you've likely agreed to work in the administration for a minimum period, usually ten years, upon completion of your studies. Breaking this commitment can lead to a "pantoufle," or a financial penalty.
The financial burden? As per the Court of Auditors, the amount to be reimbursed by these former students corresponds to the remuneration received during the course of their studies, minus the first year. In 2022, a whopping 234 agents were liable to the state, with the majority hailing from ENS.
The maximum amount of these repayments? An impressive 22,298 euros for former students admitted to the State Civil Service (FPE) and an eye-watering 33,447 euros for the other two branches of the civil service (hospital and territorial). Yet, some companies are willing to cover these costs as an enticing strategy to attract top talent.
To ease the financial strain on these erstwhile public servants, several options allow the debt to be spread out. Typically, former students ask for a payment delay, capped at two years. In certain situations, a more extended repayment period may be granted. Some requests for a grace period may also be approved, particularly in instances of financial hardship or indigence. However, this remains uncommon, with just 13 normaliens having their debt waived in 2022— a measly 5% of the "pantouflards" among the schools' students.
In the context of leaving the public sector, former public servants may face a financial penalty, known as a "pantoufle," if they break their commitment to work for a minimum period upon completion of their education. This financial penalty could potentially reach an impressive 22,298 euros for former students admitted to the State Civil Service (FPE), or even 33,447 euros for those in the hospital and territorial branches. To alleviate this burden, mutual agreements on payment delay, extending repayment periods, or granting grace periods based on financial hardship or indigence can be explored.
