Covid-19: Measures for Alumni Interns, Employees and Entrepreneurs

From the beginning of the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the French government has implemented measures to support the economy, particularly entrepreneurs, employees and students. Here's an overview of the measures that may apply to alumni currently in France.

MEASURES FOR STUDENTS

Many students are currently in their internship period. Remote internships are now the rule for absolutely every position that allows them. If a remote internship isn't possible, in order to maintain validation of their internship credits students must contact their advisers at their higher education establishments to adjust their requirements (via an amendment) to allow modification of the conditions of their internship, for example, to permit a remote internship. If a remote internship is still impossible, the establishment can suggest modifications in order to validate its postponement, etc.

In cases where the internship has been interrupted and the stipend withheld, financial assistance is available through CROUS for any student who needs it.

Students who are employed within their establishments will retain their jobs whenever possible, and their contracts will remain valid for the entire quarantine period.

MEASURES FOR EMPLOYEES AND ENTREPRENEURS

Company employees are eligible for partial unemployment. In such cases, the company pays the employee 70% of their gross salary. Employees earning minimum wage or less will receive 100%.

The smallest companies, contractors, independent workers and micro-entrepreneurs most affected are eligible for an initial aid payment of €1,500 from the solidarity fund created by the Ministry of the Economy.

Additional measures have been taken by the government to provide direct assistance to companies in France: the deferral of social security contributions, the deferral of payments on professional bank loans, the deferral of professional water, gas and electricity bills and rent payments, the deferral of financial fees and business tax payments, etc.

MEASURES FOR START-UPS

The government has finally implemented an emergency plan to help start-ups whose business has been affected by COVID-19 (special loans, research tax credits, innovation aid, etc.) These measures should meet their needs in terms of funding and cash flow. They are a supplement to the general support measures taken for companies.

To find out more about:

- internships and student jobs: the FAQ at etudiant.gouv.fr

- support for companies and employees: https://www.economie.gouv.fr/coronavirus-soutien-entreprises

- special assistance for start-ups: https://www.economie.gouv.fr/coronavirus-startup-mesures-de-soutien-economique

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