Undeclared work — cooperation between EU countries

SUMMARY OF:

Decision (EU) 2016/344 establishing a European Platform to enhance cooperation in tackling undeclared work

WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE DECISION?

• It establishes a platform or forum at EU level where representatives from all EU countries meet to:
  • exchange information and best practices;
  • develop knowledge and capacity; and
  • engage in closer cross-border cooperation in order to fight undeclared work* more effectively and efficiently.

KEY POINTS

• The platform aims to:
  • reduce undeclared work;
  • improve working conditions;
  • promote labour market integration and social inclusion;
  • improve law enforcement in labour market integration and social inclusion;
  • encourage the development of formal jobs;
  • contribute to structural reforms in the area of undeclared work.
• The platform supports cooperation between EU countries through:
  • exchange of best practice and information;
  • developing expertise and analysis;
  • encouraging innovative ways of effective and efficient cross-border cooperation;
  • promoting wider understanding of the issues raised by undeclared work.
• The platform’s activities include:
  • developing shared definitions, common concepts, comparative analysis, data collection and use of peer reviews;
  • analysing different policies, preventive measures and penalties;
  • establishing a knowledge bank to share information and experience;
  • producing enforcement guidelines, good practice handbooks and shared inspection principles;
  • encouraging exchange of national officials and joint activities;
  • examining the feasibility of a rapid information exchange system and improved data-sharing;
  • developing training capacity;
  • increasing awareness of the problems of undeclared work through European campaigns and coordinated regional and EU-wide strategies.
• The platform cooperates closely with other EU expert groups and committees involved in tackling undeclared work.
• The platform includes representatives from each EU country, from the European Commission and from both the employers’ and employees’ sides of industry.
• Representatives of social partners, particularly in sectors with a high incidence of undeclared work, relevant EU and international bodies, such as the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, and non-EU countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) may attend as observers.
• The platform meets at least twice a year and is chaired by the Commission.
• Participating in the platform does not affect EU countries’ other national and international efforts to tackle undeclared work.
• The Commission will report on the platform’s activities by 13 March 2020. It may make recommendations to change the scope of its activities.

FROM WHEN DOES THE DECISION APPLY?

It has applied since 12 March 2016.

BACKGROUND

• Undeclared work is particularly common in sectors such as construction, repairs, gardening, cleaning, childcare, catering and hotels.
• It damages the EU’s economy, leads to unfair competition and undermines workers’ social and employment protection.
• National authorities have the main responsibility for tackling undeclared work: either by deterrence (stricter sanctions, more effective inspections) or by prevention (tax incentives or amnesties).

* KEY TERMS

MAIN DOCUMENT

Decision (EU) 2016/344 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on establishing a European Platform to enhance cooperation in tackling undeclared work (OJ L 65, 11.3.2016, pp. 12–20)

last update 12.12.2016