Professionals will no doubt obtain the “adjustment” they call for. During a meeting this Monday morning with representatives of the hotel, cafe and restaurant sector (HCR), the Minister of the Economy, Bruno Le Maire, showed himself inclined to release new aid. They would concern establishments experiencing a loss of turnover “between 30 and 50%”. Or those who cannot claim the assumption of fixed costs of companies by the State, released from 50% of losses.
This would take the form of “salary assistance”, probably by taking charge of up to 15% of the employer’s contributions. “We are asking for 20% instead, but in principle we agree,” says Franck Trouet, spokesman for the National Group of Independents (GNI). Wages represent 40% of the expenses of our establishments, this aid would allow those who suffer to be at least in balance. »
Cascading cancellations in December
Bruno Le Maire should meet with the Prime Minister, Jean Castex, this Tuesday or Wednesday, to obtain arbitration from Matignon. Ten days after having refused an increase in aid, while representatives of the UNHCR sector complained of “colossal losses”, in December, because of the restrictions decided by the government which led to cascading cancellations (meals and company evenings …) and anticipated new losses, in January, with the implementation of compulsory teleworking three days a week.
“First, we have always been alongside the professionals. Before deciding on an adjustment, we wanted to know precisely what it was. We want to use taxpayers’ money wisely, we justify at Bercy. This wage aid would encourage restaurateurs and hoteliers to maintain activity, rather than to reduce it voluntarily to be eligible for aid. If, however, some people thought about it…”
Bercy defends itself from a give-and-take
This boost could be announced “at the end of the week”. At the same time as the possible entry into force of the vaccination pass which, in the eyes of professionals, will cause a “new drop in activity”. “If there are tensions among our professionals, it is certain that an adjustment of the aid would undoubtedly lift them, slips, mischievous, a representative of the sector. At the moment, everything is political…”
Bercy denies releasing new aid to facilitate the approval of the vaccine pass. “Professionals know very well that without the health pass, and the incentive to vaccinate, we would surely have had to close the cafes and restaurants, we recall in Bercy. This measure is beneficial for everyone. »