A fresh flare up between a part of the British ski industry and the French authorities over whether or not British ski instructors can teach at French resorts has taken a new twist, with the French Embassy issuing a public statement denying there is any vendetta against British ski teachers or that Brits are being treated differently to other nationalities, or even French nationals, on French slopes.
The latest flare up occurred when a British ski instructor and tour operator in the resort of Megeve, Simon Butler, was escorted from the slopes by French authorities on charges which are believed to include teaching without accepted certification and employing other ski teachers also in a way that does not meet legal requirements in France.
The event led to reports in the Daily Mail and Daily Telegraph last week quoting UKIP members and Boris Johnson who had unfavourable things to say about the French action.
It has since emerged however that Mr Butler had been arrested twice previously by French authorities, in 2004 and last season, for similar offences. Fined on both occasions, he is currently appealing the second conviction, which includes a six month prison sentence.
In his comments on newspaper reports a person claiming to be Mr Butler indicates they believe that under European equality of employment law he should be allowed to teach in France with the qualifications he has. But the French Embassy statement disagrees.
“Recent articles have suggested it was wrong of French officials to arrest Simon Butler, despite his operating illegally as a ski instructor in France. This has led to accusations that France was flouting European law and being protectionist in so doing. This is erroneous and misguided,” says the French Embassy statement.
It is not yet entirely clear, but the element of doubt seems to centre on whether the instructor has the requisite ‘Eurotest’ qualification to teach in France. There is talk of a ‘waiver’ for some senior British instructors when Eurotest was established and it is not clear if the instructor believes he is covered by that waiver but the French courts are not accepting that, or if there is another issue at play.
“The ski guiding, ski hosting and ski training industry is regulated chiefly in order to protect skiers. There are many hazards and legal responsibilities for instructors to consider . Under EU law, as has been recognized by the European Commission, it is the duty of individual states to establish professional standards,” the embassy statement continues,
“Under the current French system, any foreign instructor with qualifications that are deemed to fall short of the required standards can rectify this in one of two ways: by taking an examination or undergoing training. Mr Butler was informed, as acknowledged by the British Association of Snowsport Instructors, that he did not have the appropriate credentials (Eurotest). Mr Butler was offered the chance to take the examination but has to date been unwilling or unable to complete it.”
“In 2004, the local Criminal Court in Bonneville ruled that Mr Butler could not practise in France, given his inadequate qualifications and subsequent failure to obtain the Eurotest. He was fined €10,000. In 2005 the Chambéry Court of Appeal confirmed the original ruling.”
“Mr Butler has nonetheless continued operating illegally as recently as this year, and in doing so he continues to defy French law. In 2013 he received another sentence, against which he appealed.”
“In February 2014, in order to ensure skiers were protected and in the face of his persistent disregard for the law, the local police placed Mr Butler under investigation for operating without a licence, failing to declare sporting activities and failing to declare the employment of foreign nationals. The investigation is ongoing.”
“Changes to the current system are, however, under way. The UK, France and nine other member states have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to create a professional card for European ski instructors. The first professional cards are expected to be issued in 2014/2015. This will go a long way to helping standardize practice for ski instructors while also helping to guarantee the sort of professional teaching everyone should be free to enjoy.”
“It is worth remembering that most British ski schools in France have happily adopted the current standards and are thriving …no fewer than 19 different British ski schools are listed on this specialized trade site.”
“We will not allow the regrettable behaviour of one repeat offender to obscure the fact that the vast majority of British ski instructors flourish in France, while respecting the law. We will continue to ensure that British skiers are made to feel safe and welcome in our resorts.”