<p>Micala's back - and there's lots to chew over! </p><p>In this episode: a Facebook post about deposits that had Micala seething before 4am, the growing crackdown on cash-in-hand work in France, and a very public social media post from some new arrivals that raised more than a few eyebrows. Plus, working from home in your pyjamas, the French social system defended, and a lovely shout-out from a well-respected voice in the renovating-in-France community.</p><p></p><p><strong>Resources mentioned:</strong></p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/961588738098769/">Renovations in France</a> — Professional tradesman, Peter Gerrit's well-regarded Facebook group.</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current" href="https://www.fixradio.co.uk">Fix Radio</a> — UK radio station and podcast for the trades, referenced during the episode.</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current" href="https://www.caf.fr">CAF (Caisse d'Allocations Familiales)</a> — the French family allowance fund that provides housing and other support.</li></ul><p></p><p><strong>Mini glossary:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Devis</strong> — a formal written quote that, once signed, forms a binding contract. Should always include payment terms.</li><li><strong>Travail au noir</strong> — cash-in-hand work that is undeclared to French tax and social charge authorities. Both the worker and the person employing them can face serious penalties.</li><li><strong>BTP (Bâtiment et Travaux Publics)</strong> — the construction and public works sector; one of the top three sectors targeted by French anti-fraud authorities.</li><li><strong>Cotisations sociales</strong> — social charges paid by businesses and workers in France, funding healthcare, pensions, unemployment benefit and more.</li><li><strong>CAF</strong> — the French family allowance fund, providing housing aid, apprenticeship support and other benefits.</li><li><strong>Mairie</strong> — the town hall; local planning and governance authority.</li></ul><p></p><p><strong>Connect:</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/frenchrenodiaries">Facebook</a> | <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/frenchrenodiaries">Instagram</a></p><p>Subscribe to the newsletter: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.frenchrenodiaries.com">www.frenchrenodiaries.com</a></p><p>Email: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p>