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Storms on way for much of France. Will the cold spell continue?
We also share videos and photos of last weekend's dramatic weather in the south-west and east
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Funny you should say that – the language of French laughter
Humour can be a challenge to talk about in any language – how do you put into words that ephemeral feeling which makes you spontaneously laugh or smile?
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Opinion: Another week off – how I love living in France
One of the many things I adore about the French is their attitude to time off.
Entrepreneurs not entitled to the dole
I am thinking about starting a small business but wonder if there is any right to unemployment or other aid if it fails? If so, do I need to have worked a certain amount of time to benefit?
The simplest way to start a business in France is as a micro-entrepreneur (formerly called auto-entrepreneur).
While you will pay social charges via a system called the micro-social simplifié, the rates are low and offer only modest healthcare, family and retirement benefits.
It is not clear if you are in employment at the moment but, if not and you have not been for some time, you will likely not be entitled to unemployment benefit or chomâge if your business fails.
Generally, unemployment benefit – Allocation d’assurance chômage and its main element Allocation d’aide au Retour à l’Emploi – is based on your previous pay and time worked and the social charges paid.
Many of those who claim it do so after losing jobs involuntarily – and may go on to start as auto-entrepreneur and, to some extent, combine chomâge with AE earnings, if any.
There is no right to unemployment aid for entrepreneurs whose ideas do not work out and you would need to take out a special insurance policy offered by several companies.
In this year’s presidential campaign Emmanuel Macron has said he would set up universal chomâge cover for entrepreneurs and people who quit their jobs.
