Holiday prices may rise if the British companies lose

The French authorities argue that because British workers are hired on British contracts, they avoid French employment regulations which are much tougher on employers.

The average worker costs a French employer £1,200 per month but his British counterpart only pays out around £600.

Subsequently, the overheads of British companies are lower, allowing them to undercut French hotels and holiday companies.

Bruno Gabet, the manager of the Trois Vallee Hotel in the ski resort of Val Thorens, says the situation is very unfair.

"I have to pay my staff more and so my rooms are more expensive.

"I do not mind competition with the British but I do not want it with one hand tied behind my back."

Fringe benefits

Surprisingly many British workers don't actually want to be governed by French law even though this would mean more money and less hours of work as they fear they would lose all their fringe benefits.

It is hard work but I accept the job for what it is. I am not doing it for the money but for the lifestyle and to spend a season in the mountains."

British worker

These include free lift passes, subsidised accommodation and free travel to the Alps.

Peter Hopps works as a barman at The Frog and Roast Beef Pub in Val Thorens.

"It is long hours and hard work but I accept the job for what it is," he explains.

"I am not doing it for the money but the lifestyle and to spend a season in the mountains."

Under European Union law, France has the right to apply its own national regulations.

This would force employers to pay staff more and limit their hours to 35 per week.

The British would also pay more in tax and social security contributions and some people say this is the real reason why the case is being brought.

Hefty charges

If the French win their case then the tax authorities would be able to levy hefty charges.

Serge LeCapitain, an inspector from the body collecting welfare charges, denied the claims and rejected suggestions of Anglophobia.

"It is absolutely not true, we are not against the English and every EU firm has a right to practice but it must be within the law".

British staff often earn less than their French counterparts

If the British lose then the cost of holidays with a British company could go up.

Some firms say they will be forced out of business.

Mark Warner is one of the companies involved in the case. Marketing manager Nigel Wragg says the significance of the case should not be underestimated.

"Make no mistake, this case is very significant for everyone in the holiday trade, both winter companies and summer ones too".

The judgement will be handed down on Friday 14th December.