New gesture for the self-employed

The Government Council validated, Friday, the establishment of a single “non-refundable and non-taxable” allowance of up to 4,000 euros. The associated bill must be tabled “as soon as possible”.

(Jmh) – While anger is mounting in certain sectors such as the hospitality industry, the government is trying to ease tensions. The proof with the validation, Friday in Council of government, of a new aid intended for the independents. The latter will take the form of “a single non-refundable and non-taxable allowance”.

In an attempt to make their voices heard and express their dismay at the prolonged closure of bars and restaurants until January 31, some restaurateurs are planning a demonstration in mid-January. An idea far from gaining unanimity within the profession.

Of a variable amount “depending on the contributory income bracket in which the person is located”, the future allowance will include three levels: 3,000, 3,500 and 4,000 euros. Reserved for people exercising their activity under the status of self-employed “as a main activity” and affiliated as such to Social Security, assistance will also be paid only to those whose professional income is “at least equal to or greater than one third of the social minimum wage ”and does not exceed“ the amount of two and a half times the social minimum wage. ”

According to the official press release, the bill introducing this new measure must be tabled “as soon as possible”. No indication of the date of entry into force of the measure has yet been specified. Finally, it should be noted that this is not the first time that specific aid has targeted the self-employed. Last March, a flat-rate aid of 5,000 euros was notably released, as well as a postponement of certain social contributions.

By deciding to reopen shops and not bars and restaurants, the government is alienating a sector already weakened by a sawtooth activity for months. In particular the formulations used by the Minister of Health, deemed “inadmissible”

Except that ten months later, the situation appears to be very complicated for these economic players. When announcing the new health measures that will come into force next Monday, Nicolas Henckes, director of the CLC, did not hide the difficulties of care. In particular, the law which does not provide, for the time being, for the payment of a replacement income without the cessation of self-employed status.