Reinventing the Future: A Cheeky Take on Employment for People with Disabilities
So, gather around folks as we delve into the intriguing world of small and medium enterprises (or as I like to call it, the “small but mighty” brigade) and their heroic quest to employ people with disabilities. Yes, you heard it right! The European Week for the Employment of People with Disabilities has made a splash in Saint-Avertin, where minds met to ponder the weighty issues of employment, or lack thereof.
Our leading lady for this soirée, Karine Lafont, president of CPME 37, had plans to tackle some thorny subjects with the esteemed Minister Marie-Agnès Poussier-Winsback. But alas, the weather threw a hissy fit, and the minister had to pull a no-show! I mean, you’d think these politicians could handle a bit of rain. Don’t they have umbrellas?
CPME: The Defenders of the Entrepreneurial Realm
Karine, who became president back in 2021—when her member count was a charming 75, but has since ballooned to an impressive 210—reveals that CPME stands as a beacon for those brave souls navigating the stormy seas of entrepreneurship. Her mission? To defend those plucky business bosses! Yes, the heroes who take risks and invest their time, money, and sanity into running businesses less than 15 employees strong.
Paid Leave and Learning Bonuses: The Hot Topics
Now, let’s get into those pressing topics that really grind Karine’s gears. First up is the matter of paid leave for employees. Thanks to some bureaucratic wizardry, France has decided employees can now accrue 2.5 days of paid leave per month during their work stoppages. Sounds lovely, doesn’t it? But wait! It’s a burden for SMEs when every day counts in business. It’s like asking a cat to swim—it can do it, but it’s not pretty!
Then, there’s the looming specter of cuts to the hiring bonus for young apprentices. A proposal to slash it from €6,000 to €4,500 has got Karine sweating bullets—because let’s face it, if young apprentices are only snagged by big corporations, where does that leave our dear SMEs? It’s like giving a cat a treadmill—just not going to happen!
Youth and Employment: Don’t Cut Ties!
Our fearless Karine doesn’t mince words as she warns that if we neglect the smaller companies, we might end up with a generation of workers who think “company culture” involves just coffee runs and ping-pong tables in huge offices. The goal? To change the image of the boss from “that angry guy in a corner office” to someone who actually invests in people, placing value on those new apprentices and ensuring a brighter future!
Concrete Help for SMEs
What’s more, CPME 37 is not just all doom and gloom. They’re organizing exchanges to lift the spirits of managers. “Isolation? Not on our watch!” They’re like the Avengers for small businesses, swooping in to connect managers with banks, lawyers, and insurers when the going gets tough. Who knew the business world had its own support groups? Sign me up!
The Future: A Hopeless Romantic?
But amidst the optimism, our heroine expresses concerns about the future of certain sectors—construction and catering, to be exact. With activities fading, it’s vital, nay, fundamental to maintain those charming VSEs/SMEs in the community. She aspires to keep the connection alive with young people. Because without that, well, we’re just a bunch of old-timers reminiscing about the “good old days” over cups of lukewarm tea!
Wrapping It Up
So, as we reflect on this gathering, let’s applaud Karine Lafont and her courageous crew! Let’s aim for a future where people with disabilities can thrive in the workforce, where young apprentices find their way into motivated SMEs, and where the term “boss” is redeemed from the clutches of corporate villains. Remember, friends, whilst the skies may be cloudy and the roads rocky, the pursuit of employment equity must continue! Onward and upward!
For more information or to lend a hand, CPME 37 is just a call away: 02.47.39.42.43.
To mark the conclusion of the European Week for the Employment of People with Disabilities, the Confederation of Small and Medium Enterprises of Indre-et-Loire convened its members this Thursday, November 21, 2024, at the Nouvel Atrium in Saint-Avertin, under the thought-provoking theme “Reinventing the Future.” Notably absent from the evening’s proceedings was Marie-Agnès Poussier-Winsback, the Minister Delegate responsible for the social and solidarity economy, who had to cancel her much-anticipated visit due to severe weather conditions disrupting travel plans.
Since taking on the presidency of the CPME 37 in 2021, Karine Lafont intended to address significant concerns directly with the minister during this event. Under her leadership, the organization has seen a remarkable increase in membership, emphasizing the growing relevance of small enterprises in the region.
Karine Lafont: “For around ten years, the CPME was a little dormant. When I arrived as president in 2021, we had 75 members, and today we have increased to 210. They are independents, business creators, mainly VSEs with less than 15 employees and a few SMEs. Our role is to defend the bosses.”
Maintain connections with young people
“Yes, on two essential subjects. The first concerns paid leave for employees. France has aligned the provisions of the Labor Code regarding work stoppages with European law. Since April 24, employees are entitled to 2.5 days of paid leave per month during a work stoppage. This change implies that the acquisition of leave is no longer confined to a single year, imposing a substantial burden on SMEs. The other pressing issue we face is the serious consideration of reducing learning aids. An envisaged cut of the hiring bonus from €6,000 to €4,500 for employers is counterproductive. While it’s true that there may have been some abuses, it’s important to acknowledge that 80% of companies adhere to the regulations and aim to contribute positively.”
“We will end up with young apprentices who will only be hired in large structures; they will develop a skewed perception of the business world. Our mission at CPME 37 is to redefine the image of business owners. Our leaders are dedicated individuals who invest and take on considerable risks. At present, they face immense challenges competing against multinational corporations that primarily seek to reclaim their contracts.”
“We organize exchanges to help entrepreneurs escape their isolation. When businesses falter, we are there to assist in pinpointing the issues and directing them to our network of partners, which include banks, specialized lawyers, and insurance providers.”
“In construction and catering, it’s increasingly challenging; certain industries may vanish, which will undoubtedly affect the broader economy. It is crucial to preserve VSE/SMEs in our regions. Now is not the time to sever ties with young individuals entering the workforce.”
CPME 37 can be reached at 02.47.39.42.43.
What initiatives can support young people with disabilities in pursuing careers within SMEs?
**Interview with Karine Lafont: Reinventing the Future of Employment for People with Disabilities**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Karine Lafont! It’s great to have you here with us. You recently hosted a significant event in Saint-Avertin marking the conclusion of the European Week for the Employment of People with Disabilities. Can you share what the main themes of the evening were?
**Karine Lafont:** Thank you! It’s a pleasure to be here. The central theme of the evening was “Reinventing the Future,” focusing on the vital role that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play in employing individuals with disabilities. We discussed the importance of creating an inclusive workforce where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their challenges.
**Interviewer:** That sounds inspiring! However, the Minister Delegate Marie-Agnès Poussier-Winsback was unable to attend due to bad weather. How did that impact the discussions during the event?
**Karine Lafont:** It was disappointing not to have her with us, as we had intended to address several pressing issues directly with her, especially regarding policies that affect our small business members. Nevertheless, we utilized the opportunity to share insights among our members and brainstorm solutions to make our voices heard on a larger platform.
**Interviewer:** Over the years, you’ve seen such remarkable growth in your organization, from 75 to 210 members since you became president in 2021. What do you attribute this growth to?
**Karine Lafont:** I believe it’s due to a renewed energy and commitment to supporting our members! When I stepped into this role, I made it my mission to defend the interests of small business owners. More entrepreneurs are recognizing the value of being part of a collective voice, especially as we face mounting challenges in balancing operational needs and social responsibilities.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of challenges, you’ve brought attention to some critical topics like paid leave and funding cuts for hiring apprentices. Could you elaborate on how these issues affect SMEs?
**Karine Lafont:** Absolutely! The new policy allowing employees to accrue paid leave during work stoppages sounds beneficial on the surface. However, for SMEs, every day counts, and it can significantly burden our operations. Similarly, the proposed cut to the hiring bonus for young apprentices is alarming. If young talent sees big corporations as their only option, SMEs will struggle to attract the skilled workers we need for our growth and sustainability.
**Interviewer:** It seems crucial to foster connections with the younger generation. What initiatives are you advocating for to keep these ties strong?
**Karine Lafont:** We aim to reshape the image of small businesses as places where young people can learn, grow, and genuinely contribute. Initiatives include organizing workshops, mentorship programs, and partnerships with educational institutions to ensure young people see SMEs as career-worthy opportunities, not just stepping stones to larger corporations.
**Interviewer:** as we look to the future, what is your hope for the employment landscape for people with disabilities within SMEs?
**Karine Lafont:** My hope is to foster a culture where abilities are prioritized over disabilities—creating an inclusive work environment that values diversity in all forms. I want SMEs to be seen as champions of this cause, proving that with the right support and mindset, anyone can thrive in the workforce. Together, we can turn the tide and ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, has a place at the table.
**Interviewer:** Karine, thank you for your insights and for the incredible work you’re doing. We’re excited to see the change you’re advocating for!
**Karine Lafont:** Thank you for having me! It’s a team effort, and together we can reinvent the future.
