Tobacco, gas, partial unemployment: what changes on March 1: Femme Actuelle Le MAG

March 1 arrives, like every year, with its share of novelties. While the coronavirus has a direct influence on some of them, in particular PCR tests and short-time working, gas and tobacco prices continue to rise. We take stock with you this month on what's going down, what's up and what's changing.

The price of tobacco is rising

The price of tobacco continues to increase in 2021, after a last increase that took effect in November 2020. Some brands, such as the Austin + or the Elixyr Red, will see a 10 cent increase in their selling prices. Which brings them respectively to 9.60 euros and 9.80 euros, closer to the 10 euros mark desired by the government. The Gauloises blondes Bleu and Rouge as for them fall by 10 cents, which brings them down to 9.90 euros.

An increase in gas prices

Gas also increases in March after a previous increase announced in February. On average, regulated tariffs will increase by 5.7%. For those households that use it for cooking, the increase will be 1.5%, while it will be 3.4% for those using it for cooking and hot water, and 5, 9% for those who heat with gas.

An update of the energy label

From March 1, a new version of the energy label will come into force. Those found on household appliances ranged from A +++ to D. They will now go from A to G. All classes A +, A ++ and A +++ will disappear. The goal is to help consumers to better move towards devices that consume less energy and come back less expensive in the long run since they represent savings of around 150 euros per year per household. Four categories of devices are affected on March 1:

  • refrigerators, freezers and wine cabinets
  • washing machines washer dryer
  • dishwashers
  • televisions and screens

This label upgrade will be accompanied by the implementation of a "QR Code" which will allow the user to access product information quickly, directly from the manufacturer. The other categories of household appliances should be equipped with these labels in 2022, light bulbs in September.

Extended partial unemployment benefit

In view of the persisting health crisis, compensation for partial unemployment is extended. After being pushed back for the first time in February, the decline was pushed back a second time to early April. Businesses will therefore be able to continue to benefit from state support up to 70%, with only 15% remaining. For the most affected sectors which employ precarious workers (restaurants, hotels, leisure, sport, etc.), compensation remains at 100%.

End of sales

Due to the implementation of the 6 p.m. curfew throughout the country, the winter sales were extended by 2 weeks in February. These will therefore end on March 2, 2021, after having taken place for nearly a month and a half.

Mandatory PCR tests at the Franco-German border

Germany closes its western border. To cross it, it will therefore be necessary to be able, from March 1, to provide a negative PCR test. Controls will be carried out in Moselle for those traveling for non-professional reasons. The test presented must be less than 72 hours old.

End of cutlery in meal deliveries

Plastic cutlery and free sauces: it's over. An anti-waste charter, signed by 19 players in the meal delivery sector (including UberEats, Deliveroo, Frichti, etc.) and the Ministry of Ecological Transition, aims to significantly reduce the use of single-use plastic. You will therefore now have to systematically specify whether or not you want them in order to receive them with your order.

30,000 internship offers for young people

While the health situation greatly impacts recruitments, young people are entitled to a helping hand from the government. The 1jeune1solution platform offers 30,000 internship offers and work-study contracts in a wide variety of fields, for young people in active research. The purpose of this system is to support them in their professional integration.

Read also :

⋙ Energy: the right choices to save money

⋙ Coronavirus: what is partial unemployment announced by Emmanuel Macron?

⋙ Covid-19 and "AOK Pass": what is the use of this health pass soon to be tested by Air France?