January is the month to make our resolutions, and hopefully stick to them – just like France did with its. The French Government has voted reforms that come into force immediately, and won’t only impact the lives of French citizens, but also of expats in France. And if you are considering France as a future destination for your expat life, these changes may assist your decision. Here is an overview of what to expect in France in the new year.
Drive safely (especially the company vehicle)
In case of a traffic offense with a company vehicle, employers will have to report the identity of the employee who committed the misdemeanor to the police service. While employees risk a withdrawal of points, employers risk a fine ranging from 90 euros to 1,875 euros, if they haven't denounced the employee.
Go offline!
A new employment law obliges companies with more than fifty employees to negotiate with the staff representatives the use of smartphones at work. The excessive use of mobile phones and other digital devices has been linked to ailments, such as exhaustion and insomnia, as well as lack of communication. Even though to some extent this measure goes against the expectations of many employees who look for flexibility and autonomy at work, this law aims to separate personal life from the office with priority to work.
Understand your budget
Gas bills issued by the electric utility company Engie are increasing by more than 5%. At the same time, water suppliers are obliged to apply higher tariffs, and to indicate the price on their invoices per liter.
The price of postage stamps has also increased, making the traditional way of keeping in touch slightly more expensive than before. A priority letter now costs 0.85 euros, while the price of the green letter (slower delivery rate that saves on fuel) has risen from 0.70 euros to 0.73 euros.
Bank charges of French bank accounts have increased by an average of 13% – an amount that goes towards the maintenance of the account.
Go green
Stop looking for the plastic bags at the fruit and vegetable rays at the supermarket because they are nowhere to be found. Plastic bags have been replaced with eco-friendly bags made from a mixture of plastic and starch. Other alternatives to the harmful for the environment plastic bags are the paper and cloth bags that from this year you will see in abundance.
Cars in big cities like Paris and Grenoble will be accountable for the amount of pollution they produce via a sticker that depending on the car's age, will have a different colour. Drivers who have failed to put the sticker on their car, will have to pay a fine of 45 euros.
Quitting smoking gets easier
In an effort to reduce smoking among adults and the youth, France hits the attractiveness of cigarette packs by introducing neutral packets. In this new style of packs, all brands are typed in the same format and, and the trademark, logo, and distinctive colours are totally removed. However, the warning messages and images remain. France is one of the few countries, following the United Kingdom and Australia, to implement such measures for health.
