Platform to tackle undeclared work: Council confirms deal with EP - Main contents
A European platform will be set up to encourage closer cooperation between member states and facilitate the exchange of information and best practices in tackling and preventing undeclared work.
On 20 November 2015, the Permanent Representatives Committee approved the compromise text negotiated with European Parliament.
Aim of the platform
The platform is intended to encourage closer cooperation between relevant authorities in member states responsible for tackling undeclared work. It will encourage exchanges of information and best practices.
The overall aim is to help improve working conditions, promote integration into the labour market and social inclusion. Undeclared workers are often subject to hazardous working conditions, lower wages and violations of their labour rights.
The platform covers all forms of undeclared work, including bogus self-employment, a type of employment used in order to reduce taxes and social security contributions.
Undeclared work often has a cross-border dimension. The nature of undeclared work varies between member states, and is influenced by the economic, administrative, and social context. Measures to tackle undeclared work therefore need to be tailored to take these differences into account.
How the platform works
Tackling the complex problem of undeclared work requires a comprehensive and holistic approach. The platform will convene at least two plenary session per year and specific working groups will be established in order to deal with specific issues related to undeclared work.
Who participates in the platform
The platform is a forum for experts and it is made up of :
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-a senior representative of each member state who coordinates and liaise with his national authorities or other actors,
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-the Commission,
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-4 representatives of the social partners at Union level, split equally between workers and employer's organisations.
Also involved in the platform's work are observers such as social partners from sectors with a high incidence of undeclared work, representatives of Eurofound, the European agency for safety and health at work (EU-OSHA), the ILO and EEA countries.
Background and next steps
The Commission submitted its proposal to the Council and the European Parliament on 9 April 2014. The presidency of the Council and the Parliament reached a provisional agreement after a round of trilogue meetings on 11 November 2015.
The decision will now be submitted to the European Parliament for a vote at first reading and then to the Council for formal adoption.
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