The French government is to pay care workers a €1,000 (£901) bonus to recognise their efforts during the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.
The bonus, which will be funded by the French government and totals €160 (£144) million euros, will support care working professionals who have been working throughout the pandemic. The government is aiming to make the one-off payment to eligible employees by the end of September 2020, but no later than the end of December 2020.
This bonus will be non-taxable and not subject to social security contributions. In the coming months, the government aims to pay an additional bonus to professionals in home help and support services.
The French government previously rewarded healthcare staff in hospitals with a pay rise totalling €7.5 billion (£6.8 billion) in July 2020.
A spokesperson at the French government said: "The commitment of home care professionals has been and remains crucial in caring for vulnerable populations in the context of an exceptional health crisis. The State and the Assembly of French Departments (ADF) salute the essential role played by these professionals, as close as possible to dependent elderly people and people with disabilities.
"The State and the ADF will continue to collaborate within the framework of the old age and autonomy reform, to enhance the care professions that support dependent elderly people and people with disabilities, and will contribute the wish 80% of French people to be able to age as long as possible “at home”.
