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BackAs already announced by the EU Commission some weeks ago, this week it proposed the creation of a European Platform to improve cooperation at European level in order to make the prevention of undeclared work more effective. The proposed platform shall bring together various national enforcement bodies to tackle undeclared work. According to the Commission, the Platform would fill a vacuum at European level as undeclared work so far has only been debated sporadically and in an uncoordinated way in different committees and working groups. The proposal for a decision establishing a European Platform will now be sent to the European Parliament and the Council for adoption.
Undeclared work causes damage of up to 20 percent of GDP in the EU each year
It is a well-known fact that undeclared work has many negative consequences. For example, employees are denied appropriate social protection, their health and safety are at risk and working standards are lowered. In addition, it undermines fair competition between companies and puts the sustainability of public finances and social security systems at risk. In the end, there are only losers. The hope is that the transition from informal or undeclared work to regular employment can make a contribution to achieve the employment target of the Europe 2020 Strategy. The Commission wants to make a contribution by creating this Platform. However, it is also clear that the main responsibility for tackling undeclared work lies with the Member States.
What the Platform shall provide
By setting up the Platform to tackle undeclared work, the Commission hopes to create a forum, where experts could share information and best practices, thereby expanding the limited contacts existing so far. The idea is also to explore national and EU tools to face shared problems, such as the related phenomenon of bogus self-employment and undeclared work in subcontracting chains. The intention is to also tackle cross-border aspects, for example by exploring ways to improve data exchanges between national administrations. One can only hope that the proposed platform to combat undeclared work will be speedily adopted by EU Parliament and Council. Only then it can be guaranteed that it will soon be able to start work.
Additional information:
Undeclared work: Commission proposes new Platform to improve prevention and deterrence
It is a well-known fact that undeclared work has many negative consequences. For example, employees are denied appropriate social protection, their health and safety are at risk and working standards are lowered. In addition, it undermines fair competition between companies and puts the sustainability of public finances and social security systems at risk. In the end, there are only losers. The hope is that the transition from informal or undeclared work to regular employment can make a contribution to achieve the employment target of the Europe 2020 Strategy. The Commission wants to make a contribution by creating this Platform. However, it is also clear that the main responsibility for tackling undeclared work lies with the Member States.
What the Platform shall provide
By setting up the Platform to tackle undeclared work, the Commission hopes to create a forum, where experts could share information and best practices, thereby expanding the limited contacts existing so far. The idea is also to explore national and EU tools to face shared problems, such as the related phenomenon of bogus self-employment and undeclared work in subcontracting chains. The intention is to also tackle cross-border aspects, for example by exploring ways to improve data exchanges between national administrations. One can only hope that the proposed platform to combat undeclared work will be speedily adopted by EU Parliament and Council. Only then it can be guaranteed that it will soon be able to start work.
Additional information:
Undeclared work: Commission proposes new Platform to improve prevention and deterrence