For the FFB, this plan increases the imbalance in favor of microenterprises
The FFB, the leading organization representing the craft sector, takes note of a certain number of advances in favor of the independents formulated in the “independent” bill unveiled this morning by the government.
Thus the modulation of contributions in real time, the absence of penalties in the event of underestimated income or the neutralization of the effects of the crisis on the calculation of daily allowances are undoubtedly measures to be welcomed.
However, in its contribution to Minister Griset in March, the FFB called for a greater balance between artisan and microentrepreneur in order to avoid the competitive drifts observed in recent years. The FFB advocated in particular the supervision over time of the microenterprise regime to reconnect with the initial spirit of the device, that of a "springboard" towards craftsmanship.
Not only does the project presented provide no solution to restore this balance but, worse, it increases the imbalance to the disadvantage of craftsmen. Thus, for example, while no real checks and safeguards are provided, the text provides for access to all social rights for microentrepreneurs, as soon as they register for the scheme. Where previously, 90 days was required.
However, it seems essential to encourage the creation of craft businesses during this period of recovery. In 2020, business creation increased by 4% despite the crisis. But in detail, microenterprises experienced a growth of 9% while at the same time the creation of craft businesses fell by 13%. However, it is the craft businesses that create jobs, train apprentices and feed the country's social accounts.
The FFB calls on parliamentarians to restore this balance when examining the text.
A historic step for the U2P
The measures announced by the President of the Republic during the U2P Meetings meet the expectations formulated by the U2P, which underlined the need to bring several areas of improvement for self-employed workers:
- Better security for self-employed workers, with the protection of their personal assets in the event of company bankruptcy. On this point, the extension of exemption from seizure to all personal assets in the event of default is excellent news for self-employed workers.
- A reduction in taxation during the transfer of the business: the new plan acts both for business buyers the tax deduction of the depreciation of the amount of the takeover, and for ceding companies, the increase in ceilings partial and total exemption of capital gains.
- Measures aimed at developing access to continuing training for self-employed workers, as it is true that training is often the necessary condition for the development of their professional activity. The plan thus provides for doubling the tax credit for training business leaders with fewer than 10 employees.
“The measures announced are ambitious and common sense. They respond to our requests and give us confidence in the future. For 27 years and the "Madelin" law of 11 February 1994 relating to initiative and sole proprietorship, there had been no text dedicated to all self-employed workers. This plan is therefore a historic step! ", greet Dominique Métayer, President of the U2P.
The CMA network very positively welcomes the plan in favor of the independents, presented by the President of the Republic
The President of the Republic today unveiled the main orientations of the independent plan, long awaited by the craftsmen. The CMA network is satisfied because, while recognizing the virtues of entrepreneurship and the essential role in our society of VSEs who create wealth and vitality in the territories, they respond to the issues raised by artisans. This plan in favor of the self-employed strengthens the good prospects for exiting the crisis and may contribute to the sustainable revival of the local economy and the future of craft businesses.
Most of the CMA network's proposals forwarded as part of the numerous consultations organized by ministers Bruno Le Maire and Alain Griset were taken up, whether in terms of business transfer, heritage protection, social protection or even continuing education.
With the gradual end of aid and the implementation of tailor-made solutions, the CMA network is increasing its interventions and offering new tools to support each company and be as close as possible to its needs. The announcement of the plan in favor of the self-employed contributes to greater economic and social justice. What we all want: to encourage the French, especially young people, employees, anyone in professional retraining to undertake!
- Placing business takeover and transmission as a priority issue for the future of the Local Economy means sharing the efforts of the CMA network and its business advisers, who act every day to safeguard and maintaining employment in all territories. The CMAs estimate at 300.000 the number of craft businesses to be taken over in the next 10 years, or between 30 and 40.000 each year. In addition, taking over a business gives craftsmen a greater chance of success (over 80%), compared to starting a business (60%). It is for these reasons that the CMA network is mobilized to encourage employee take-over but also to facilitate family transfer, which gives very good results.
- Extending the protection of the assets of the self-employed to all of their personal property is to respond to the challenge of securing and protecting business creation, and guaranteeing equal treatment between all entrepreneurs.
- Relaxing the conditions of access, which are now too strict, to unemployment insurance is also an important signal for independent craftsmen.
- Finally, dealing with the subject of training means wanting to perpetuate the craft sector. The CMA network is in favor of this objective of securing and simplifying access to funding for training for self-employed workers, which responds in particular to the problems of professional retraining but also to those of the economic development of the activity.
Joël Fourny said: “As Chairman of CMA France and representative of 1,7 million artisans, I welcome these announcements very positively and I am delighted with the direction given to this independent plan. While artisans are doing fairly well and are confident in the future, they are determined to take full advantage of the recovery, and need appropriate measures. To seize the subject of the protection of the inheritance, transmission, training and social protection, it is to seize the real subjects. ".