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At the office, beware of personal files and other sensitive information. Contrary to popular belief, an employer is absolutely the right to see the entire hard disk of the workstation of its employees, without their permission. The collected files (images or pornographic films mostly, but also documentary evidence of contacts with competitors or disparaging the company from third parties) can then be used as evidence for a dismissal. One exception: personal files.

But how does one determine that a file is personal? The Court of Cassation rendered several decisions to this effect in recent years. The latest, released Thursday, says that a file stored in a folder named "My Documents" can not, despite its name, be considered personal, and can be accessed freely by the superior of the employee concerned.  

Appoint his case with his initials or his name is not enough either. The Supreme Court issued two decisions in 2009 explaining that the names were not enough to identify these records as private.

Personal files can be viewed in the presence of the employee

To ensure that certain files can not be accessed without his knowledge by his employer, the employee must create a folder named "Personal" quick pay day loan. For added security, better also add "Staff" in the name of files in the folder.

But beware! If the employer does not have the right to inspect documents "Personal" without asking permission of his employee, this does not mean it does not look right. The Supreme Court has repeatedly emphasized that the opening of these files should be done in the presence of the employee, or following a phone call to warn him, "unless a particular event or risk justifying the deprivation of life private. "

Better to be cautious by not leaving anything to rest on his workstation outside its business documents. If a sensitive document must pass through your desktop, upload it to a support belonging to you, as an external hard drive, USB drive or smartphone … staff.

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A standard feature of life insurance quotes is a set of written terms and conditions which set out whether the policy being sought is a term policy or a permanent one.

 

Thousands of people started marching Tuesday across France to say no to them according to the austerity imposed by the European Union and call for a genuine policy of growth to five days before the second round of presidential elections.

Nearly 290 processions are announced by the CGT, one in the afternoon in Paris, where walkers will have been preceded by a National Front demonstration and where they will parade during a political rally organized by the outgoing president.

The inter-union (CFDT, CGT, FSU, UNSA and Solidaires), promises that there will be no political message on the banners of the first parades in May-but the CGT, unlike other organizations, called for "beat Nicolas Sarkozy."

In Marseille, about 20,000 people, according to unions, protested for a parade more social than political. "This gives it a special flavor, but we do not mean our demands immediate demands in the pocket," said the delegate county of the CGT, Mireille Chessa. The banner head behind which all the unions, with the exception of FO, marched, summed up this attitude. "Against the austerity policies, workers united for social progress" could be read. Fralib employees, who for nearly two years to oppose the closure of the last site in France to make the teas Elephant, opened the procession.

Holland in Nevers to honor Beregovoy

About 1500 people marched in 4500 in Strasbourg and Mulhouse, according to a statement made on site by Reuters, a significant interest in Alsace, while the region is in middle of spring break and the CFDT was not involved, as organization, in the event.  

In Strasbourg, where employees of the truck manufacturer Caddie, in receivership, opened the parade, only a few slogans directly recalled the presidential election, as "If you're against Sarkozy, clap your hands", sung by the Orchestra of the CGT.

In Paris, delegations from the Socialist Party and the Left Front should remain in the rear of the parade as not to hinder the trade unionists and Francois Hollande has chosen to honor Nevers (Nièvre) to Pierre Beregovoy, the Prime Minister Francois Mitterrand, who s 'committed suicide there exactly 19 years.

Union leaders see as a "provocation" of Nicolas Sarkozy's decision to hold its own gathering on the job after reporting since the beginning of the campaign "these intermediate bodies" that are the unions.

"The first is May-workers and anyone else," said Francois Chereque Tuesday on BFM TV. The secretary general of the CFDT, which does not give instructions to vote, said the speech of Nicolas Sarkozy on the job has become "unbearable." "Every time there was a takeover in the history of politics on this holiday (1-May-Ed) was derived in a context of undemocratic," he said Monday in an interview published by Liberation .

Thibault argues for a social Europe

The secretary general of the CGT, Bernard Thibault, has instead confirmed he called to vote for Francois Hollande. "The CGT called to fight the current president," he said on Europe 1. "I am surprised that some are surprised that a union of employees can have an opinion about the issues of a presidential election."

"It's from the social balance sheet, economic and president of his intentions – among his first, he wants to, as the employers claimed, a reform of the definition of termination for economic reasons," that this position has was taken, he said.

The SGC requires a minimum wage to 1,700 euros per month and expects Francois Hollande, who has promised a big meeting with the social partners if elected on May 6 before deciding, he goes in that direction very quickly. Bernard Thibault believes that the austerity measures introduced in the European Union led the latter to the disaster and calls for a social Europe.  

To better themselves as "unifier" Nicolas Sarkozy faced with a "who wants to divide", the Socialist candidate Francois Hollande has sent a letter to leaders of the five confederations. He reiterated his promise to do major players in the next five years if they win.

(With Reuters)

 

The auction winner will take over the shares of Bridgepoint funds (57% stake) and Apax (20%). Alain Afflelou he has planned to stay in the capital. It could even slightly increase its stake, now 22%. "This component has not yet been decided, it will depend on the nature of offers and future discussions with the fund that will prevail," says a close case.

The group, which produced last year a turnover of 785 million with 1,083 franchised stores, is valued around 800 million euros by connoisseurs of the file. To finance the purchase of three quarters of the capital, the next owner will have to fund raise around 300 million euros of debt. A challenge in the current, extremely volatile. The transfer operation, organized by the Banque Rothschild, commissioned last year, has proved complex enough to induce sellers to be cautious. "Bids are expected soon, said Didier Pascual, Chief Executive Alain Afflelou. But nothing is decided yet. The hypothesis of the IPO will remain open. "

A founder ubiquitous

The way back on the stock exchange, which would switch to vendors, if possible in the fall, when tenders found attractive can, was long regarded as the preferred option of management group, and especially its founder. Last June, Alain Afflelou Echoes indicated to not want a new leveraged buyout (LBO).

The entrepreneur has long maintained a difficult relationship with investment funds that have succeeded in the capital of the group. Starting with Alpha-Marine-Wendel, entered in 1997. By 2000, Alain Afflelou decides to regain control; with funds Apax, he released Alpha, which doubles his bet. The group then returns on the stock exchange, before leaving in 2008. Meanwhile, Bridgepoint has taken over half the capital in 2006, in a transaction valuing the company 500 million euros.

But the tone rises rapidly from Bridgepoint and Alain Afflelou, who wishes to provide for the succession of the leader, now aged 64. After months of arm wrestling, refereed by Apax, the owner agrees to step back and became chairman of the oversight committee in the summer of 2010. But the chief executive then hired a former McDonald's has to pack up five months later, before being replaced by Didier Pascual. Alain Afflelou is known internally for its ubiquity and influence. And there is the muse of the brand in advertising the group, making it unavoidable. Bain Capital and Lion Capital, the next business partner, will address these sensitive issues.

 

SELNI, last French manufacturer of motors for washing machines, has just robbed a mega contract to one of its Chinese competitors. This firm, which currently employs 150 people, provide from the end of the year in Vestel, a Turkish specialist appliances, two million engines per year, and for ten years. "This is a contract of several hundred million euros, whereby we are doubling our production. In France today, we can compete with the Chinese, "says Philippe Vidal, CEO of SELNI.

SELNI, whose turnover is currently around 25 million euros, has managed to match Chinese prices, while offering products of superior quality. "Our responsiveness has also weighed in the balance. Our technical tool allows us to fill an order within 48 hours, against more than 6 weeks for the Chinese, who suffer from very long delivery times, "says the director.

Production in Turkey

However, the company based in Nevers comeback. Hard hit by the crisis of 2008-2009, she almost put the key under the door, before being taken up by several of its executives. Today she is back on track. "We have optimized our products as our organization. Engines, for example, have been lightened up. It has replaced some components in copper with aluminum, but harder to work cheaper. Internally, we developed the versatility of each, "says Philippe Duval.

This additional production does not necessarily translate provided by new hires. 800,000 engines for entry level to provide Vestel annually SELNI had to agree to perform in Turkey, 3 kilometers from his client. "We would not have been able to make these motors very cheap in France, and we reserve margin. This proximity allows us to provide just-in Vestel, explains Philippe Duval. We approach our customers as we did before the automakers. "

From 30 to 40 people will be employed in Turkey. "That leaves 1.2 million engines a year to produce more in Nevers."

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Fuel prices soar notably due to higher oil prices. But is that they will decline as the black gold flow back on world markets? Yes, according to an academic study published last weekend by economists Erwan Gautier (University of Nantes) and Ronan Le Saut (Ecole Polytechnique). Their work is based on data collected daily by the Ministry of Economy between 2007 and 2009 with 10,000 service stations.

Contrary to the fears of the authorities and consumers, "the downward variations are as numerous as the variations on the rise, and they are of the same magnitude," the researchers said. They found instead that managers affect only three-quarters of price changes in international prices of a liter of diesel and two thirds for gasoline. "This gap is consistent with the importance of raw material-the-refined oil in the price of a liter at the pump (between 75% and 85% of total costs)," said Erwan Gautier.

Clearly, if the pump price varies to a lesser extent than international prices, it is because other costs that come into account in calculating the price, they do not move. These findings partly confirm the results of a study by the Ministry of Economy dated June 2011. According to the latter, which examined the evolution of prices for a few weeks, the drop in world prices was reflected better on diesel than on gasoline.

The two economists, however, lead to more accurate results. The petrol stations affect price movements in Rotterdam, where the refined oil is traded in the 5 to 10 days on average. The French Union of Petroleum Industry (UFIP) explains this delay by the time of transport for the supply of pumps and the need to sell existing stocks purchased before the price changes. Prices are revised, preferably on Tuesdays and Fridays, every 5 days on average for diesel, every 6.5 days for gasoline.

Supermarkets change prices more often

All market players are not as quick to change the prices, they detect. Supermarkets, for example, change more frequently and more significantly than other gas stations, belonging mostly to oil companies. This can be explained by the cost analysis Erwan Gautier: "Supermarkets share some expenses related to the operation of the pumps with their store." On the other hand, their margin is extremely low on fuel: it s' is for them a loss leader to attract customers and they are undercutting prices.

In reading the study, the existing competition in the market seems to push the players to pass on price movements as honestly as possible. The proximity of a gas station and a supermarket equipped with pumps, for example, the first incentive to adjust its prices more nimbly. On the other hand, the highway stations, away from any competition, the less impact of international price movements. And, with the exception of the Paris region, rates move slightly more often in urban than in rural. The stations offer many services and high quality fuels also adjust the lowest price movements.

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A priori, the CAC 40 prefers the left. History shows that when the Socialists were in power, the index climbed an average of 5.9% per year, while a majority right does increase by only 2.12%. However, according to a study conducted in 2010 by researcher David Le Bris, the best stock market performance of the left are possible … with the right! In reality, everything is played just before an election: when the left is still installed but the government that the right was favored to regain power, while the CAC 40 climbed 9.6% in the three months preceding the election. Conversely, when the left was favored to grab a majority to the right, the stock market fall of 7.4% in three months. Statistically, we can predict that the Paris Stock Exchange lost ground in the coming weeks, if Francis Holland continues to remain the favorite in the polls.

Apart from this pre-election volatility, the stock performance of the left, however, are virtually the same as those of the right. "The markets have no political orientation. What counts is how to lead. And what they hate is uncertainty and risk, "said Alexander Hezez, responsible for managing AM in Convictions. According to him, the markets, which have so far joined the alternation, show no signs of panic and should not reproduce a May 1981 when Mitterrand came to power, the CAC 40 was won by 33%. For thirty years, governments of all stripes were infused into the economy leading stimulus measures, which led the public debt to soar from 20% to 85% of GDP without allowing full employment not support growth quick cash. "Today, the critical issues of fiscal consolidation and the continued construction of a Europe weakened by two years of debt crisis are incorporated into the curricula of the two main candidates," notes Xavier Lepine, President The Executive Board of the French PM. "Whatever the winner of the election, he will have his hands tied by these budgetary constraints and European," he says.

Still, Francois Hollande raises more questions than Nicolas Sarkozy. "PS The candidate seems to prefer higher taxes rather than reducing spending to clean up the public accounts, putting the French economy in danger and pressure rating of the country," notes the U.S. bank Citi. On the European front, the markets held in effect above all that the Franco-German partnership remains strong and welded. "If Francois Hollande did not ratify the European fiscal pact, it calls into question the future of the euro area", warning Gilles Moec, economist at Deutsche Bank. An implausible scenario for operators, who are betting that the PS candidate, if elected, will only add a paragraph on growth targets. "Provided that the markets are right," says Xavier Lepine.

 

With over 62,000 franchised units recorded at the end of 2011, for a turnover of 49 billion euros, the franchise remains a dynamic sector in the economic universe French. According to statistics from the French Franchise Federation (FFF), which holds up to Wednesday night's annual meeting at the Porte de Versailles, 92 new franchise networks were launched last year (for a total of 1569 ). However, some areas are most promising and lucrative than others. Especially, new areas, some surfing very clearly on the crisis, appear and arouse vocations, especially since in their general admission tickets are more affordable.

Overall winner, the 7313 claim services auto franchises across 61 networks. Midas (315 service centers, fast), for example, announces the hiring of 50 franchises this year (either by creation or by recovery sites). Candidates must, however, an investment fund of between 160,000 and 250,000 euros, with 30% minimum down payment. Short-term rental is also dynamic with Rent a Car (480 stores including 200 franchisees) which expects 10 new franchises this year, while Ada is a net balance of 20 openings (for a total network of 480 agencies) .

Ten franchises for over Legendre

Another promising sector, fast food, where we no longer launches, which counted at the end of last year franchises for 3740 123 networks (20 more in a year). One example, Subway, the specialist sandwich and salads, has announced no fewer than 90 new restaurants in 2011, crossing at the same time the 300 units operated under franchise in France. Among the newest signs, Basil & Co, a concept of takeaway pizzas (entrance fee to 60,000 euros). In catering to themes (1101 deductibles and 79 networks), the time is in development with Memphis Coffee, which provides a dozen openings this year with a target turnover of 20 million euros. As for La Boucherie, it plans 20 new restaurants this year (including 10 free) and will recruit 350 people. In total, the company has 83 restaurants for a turnover of 83 million euros.

In the services sector, the academic support stand. During the Legendre who launched the franchise last year with a target network of 50 agencies in 2015, currently has ten franchises (including Toulouse, Pau, Bordeaux, Lyon, Annecy or Saint-Etienne). "For the first year of operation, the agency is a forecast of around 200,000 euros in business volume on average, for the only activity being at home," said Olivier Gresse, marketing director. During the Legendre in 2011 showed a turnover up 13 million euros (+10%) and this year expect a growth of 10%. For its part, Anacours (4.9 million euros of turnover) announces ten new franchises in 2012, while during Ado (23 agencies, including 3 branches), provides eight openings free.

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When the VAT hike in early 2011 and the arrival of Free Mobile early 2012, mobile operators have seen their customers from leaving in droves to a competitor in search of a better price. "The price does not explain everything. We underestimated the frustration of customers, "recently confessed an operator. Because, rightly or wrongly, telecom focus the discontent of consumers. The sector holds in the palm of 2011 claims (24%), before the consumer (22%) and computers (12%), as the documentary credit.

Within the family telecoms, mobile internet is back in front in claims: in 2011, 53% of complaints received by the French Association of telecom users (AFUTT) concerned the mobile Internet access 38% and 9% fixed phone. Mobile-related complaints rose 11%, while those related to Internet were down 28%.

In Mobile, the fourth door on the invoice disputes: consumers are left with overruns, mostly due to premium rate calls as the SMS + or spam for users scammed. Also involved, according to AFUTT, misuse of mobile Internet abroad, and the complexity of fee schedules.

Furthermore the bill, disputes also include the termination of the contract. Customers who have purchased a package included with phone and find themselves thus committed 12 or 24 months, resent not being able to cancel without charge, including for reasons considered legitimate: death, moving abroad, loss of employment, etc fast cash without a hassle..

After contacting customer service, then the service consumer of their operator, the aggrieved clients can always resort to the mediator. "When the Ombudsman receives, operators generally find a solution because their desire is to reduce complaints," said Francois Cuinat, mediator of electronic communications. Complaints are more likely among clients of virtual operators (MVNO) than the "big" operators, indicates the AFUTT. "Orange, SFR and Bouygues have an index of conflict less than 1, the Bouygues Telecom is much improved this year. That of MVNOs still significantly higher, "said the AFUTT.

In this context, what impact will the arrival of Free Mobile? "We have nothing to report about Free Mobile. But for the mobile market as a whole, we are very interrogative on the effect of a competition that would be too exclusively based on prices, said Jacques Pomonti, president of the AFUTT. We hope that the price competition will not affect the quality of service or investment in infrastructure, "he concluded.

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As announced by the boss of Total, Christophe de Margerie, gasoline now costs more than two euros. According to the website carbeo.com, the unleaded 95 cost 2.02 euros in the service station Saint-Antoine in the 4th arrondissement of Paris. This is the first time this symbolic threshold is crossed.  

At the national level, prices of unleaded gasoline reached new heights last week, to 1.6211 euro on average for a liter of unleaded 95 and 1.6610 for that of 98 unleaded, according to data published Monday by the Ministry of Sustainable Development.

Since late 2011, gasoline prices beat record after record in France, powered by a dual effect of geopolitical tensions (Iran, Nigeria …) that keep crude oil prices at very high levels, and weakening of the euro against the dollar, which boosts the cost of black gold once its converted value in the single currency.

A political issue

Political leaders have seized the questiion. President Nicolas Sarkozy, candidate to succeed himself, had described the end of February "joke" blocking oil prices, a proposal by the Socialist candidate Francois Hollande, pointing out that prices are determined by a "global marketplace to outside. "

Sales of unleaded 95 represent just under 15% of French consumption of motor fuels and unleaded 98 around 5%.

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Air transportation emits about 3% carbon dioxide (CO2) released by humans into the atmosphere. But according to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), its emissions have almost doubled (+98%) between 1990 and 2006 and are expected to increase by 63% by 2020. This is due to the strong growth that the EU wished to include airlines in the industries subject to carbon allowances.

Decided in 2008, this "carbon tax air" has been applicable since 1 January to major airlines transiting through EU airports. According to official documents of the end of 2011, 4291 airlines must be submitted to CO2 quotas, including 28 Chinese companies. Brussels has set an emissions cap for each company, who must buy the equivalent of 15% of its emissions, as carbon credits.

This air tax should bring in 2012 256 million euros to the EU, the Commission said. A pittance compared to $ 3.8 billion represented the German Government, by controlling only Airbus Hong Kong Airlines, threatened. Connie Hedegaard, European Commissioner for the fight against climate change, repeated his refusal to yield to threats and to revisit the legislation.

The profession particularly hostile

From the earliest discussions on the implementation of these CO2 quotas on airlines, the profession has expressed very hostile. Last November, ICAO, the Organization of International Civil Aviation, adopted a resolution recommending to exempt non-European companies of the carbon tax. 26 of its 36 members including China, the United States and Russia, were signatories. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and ICAO call for voluntary measures to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, implemented worldwide.

In a report published in early 2011, the rating agency Standard & Poor's estimated that the measure Brussels could cost 1.12 billion for airlines in 2012-2013. Since then, the price per tonne of CO2 collapsed on the European market which would reduce the cost to about 700 million euros. But it adds to the severe increase in fuel prices.

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