The government wants to boost the recovery by encouraging businesses to end short-time working, and by stimulating demand for the automobile. From June 1, measures will come into force in this direction. On this date, it will also be necessary to expect changes in the prices of gas, electricity or the organization of general meetings of co-owners. Le Figaro takes stock.
Read also: 12.9 million people have been covered by partial unemployment in France since March
State reduces contribution to partial unemployment
From June 1, companies will have to put their hands in their pockets to keep their employees part-time unemployed: they will have to cover 15% of the compensation paid. The state will continue to cover the remaining share.
For the employee, on the other hand, this decision does not change anything: he will continue to receive 70% of his gross salary, or 84% of his net salary.
In certain sectors whose activity has not been able to resume, the State will also continue to cover 100% of partial unemployment. This will be the case, for example, in the sectors of " hotels, restaurants, bars, events, a good part of the cultural sector ", specified the Minister of Labor, Muriel Pénicaud.
A compulsory certificate to continue partial unemployment for childcare
Parents who would have to look after their children due to the closure of schools could previously benefit from partial unemployment. As of June 1, this system will be restricted. While nursery and primary schools have reopened - as well as colleges in green zones - parents who wish to continue to benefit from this measure will have to demonstrate that their child's establishment has remained closed or cannot be accommodated - if it is not a priority, for example.
Employees considered vulnerable may also continue to benefit from partial unemployment if they are unable to exercise their professional activity. This includes people with a cardiovascular history, unbalanced diabetes, respiratory disease that the virus can worsen, people with active cancer or with obesity.
Slight drop in gas prices, increase in electricity
As of June 1, the regulated natural gas rate will decrease by 0.45% compared to the scale in effect in May.
The price of electricity will go up. From Saturday May 30, it will increase by 5.9%.
The revalued conversion premium
In a plan to support the automobile presented on Tuesday, Emmanuel Macron promised to boost demand and announced an increase in the conversion premium. It will thus be raised to 3000 euros for the purchase of a thermal vehicle, and to 5000 euros for an electric vehicle.
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This premium will also be extended. The tax revenue ceiling to access it will be 18,000 euros, which means that three out of four French people will be able to access it. In addition, low-income households will be able to get rid of a Crit'Air 3 vehicle (compared to 4 and 5 previously). The amount of the premium is also revised upwards. It will be 3000 euros for a thermal vehicle and 5000 euros for a vehicle.
Premiums for the purchase of a clean vehicle are also revalued from June 1. Thus, the bonus for the purchase of an electric vehicle will drop from 6,000 to 7,000 euros for individuals, and from 3,000 to 5,000 euros for businesses. Plug-in hybrid vehicles, previously excluded from the scheme, will also benefit from a bonus of 2,000 euros.
The winter break is extended
The winter truce, which was scheduled to end on May 31, was extended until July 10 due to the coronavirus crisis. This means that a lessor cannot evict his tenant until this date. Likewise, water and electricity suppliers cannot cut off the power, even if the tenant's bills have remained unpaid.
Read also: Auto sector reactions to government support plan
General meetings of co-owners may be held remotely
In order to ensure the continuity of management of co-ownerships despite the health crisis, the government allows the renewal of trustee contracts and the terms of office of union council members which expired between March 12 and July 23, until the next general meeting to be held no later than January 31, 2021.
