Tackling undeclared work database

 

  Spain has a long-term problem with undeclared work, which led the former government (the Socialist Party, PSOE) to announce new legislation in order to regulate this situation. The plan was divided into two stages. The first stage granted an amnesty period, free of sanctions, allowing workers to regularise their work situation. In the second stage, more severe sanctions were imposed in an attempt to encourage employers to register their workers with the social security authorities.  

  In order to tackle the issue of undeclared work more effectively, in 2009 the State Labour Inspectorate placed greater emphasis on business consulting, public information and awareness-raising. The activities were implemented through various media channels, such as radio, television, press, internet, information screens in shopping centres and public transport. According to the inspectorate, the intensified public information campaign created a zero tolerance attitude towards undeclared work in society.  

The system of ‘Local employment agencies’ (Agences locales pour l’emploi/Plaatselijke werkgelegenheidsagentschappen, ALE/PWA) was the first attempt to transfer certain household services into the formal labour market in Belgium. Up to then, many of these services were made available through undeclared work. Through the ALE/PWA, long-term unemployed people can carry out neighbourhood services for private persons, local authorities, non-profit associations or schools for up to 45 hours a month.