Disguised job placement occurs when workers are supplied to another entity without the legal conditions for employment intermediation being met. The arrangement may be presented as the provision of services or the performance of a contract, while in practice another entity directs the workers and organises their work.
The issue can have a cross-border dimension and may expose mobile workers to unfair recruitment and employment practices. Workers can be particularly vulnerable when they face language barriers, are unfamiliar with national rules or depend on intermediaries for access to employment.
The event enabled authorities from Belgium, Czechia, Germany, Netherlands, Lithuania, Slovakia and Finland to compare approaches and share tools for identifying disguised job placement. Participants also discussed cooperation between labour inspectorates, financial authorities, social security institutions and other relevant bodies.
'ELA’s role is not simply to facilitate meetings or exchanges of information. Our role is to help transform cooperation into concrete action that delivers real benefits for workers, employers and national authorities alike.'
'Disguised employment placement is not a marginal issue, but a challenge that affects the functioning of the entire European labour market. Today’s national event has provided a wealth of interesting and useful insights and perspectives from several Member States. I would therefore like to thank the European Labour Authority for facilitating this valuable exchange of experiences with foreign experts, and I wish it every success in identifying and disseminating effective solutions to tackle this problem within the European Union.'
ELA experts presented findings from previous activities concerning temporary work agencies, subcontracting chains and compliance with agency employment rules. They also shared preliminary findings from an ELA study on temporary work agencies and other forms of employment intermediation in the EU. The study is expected to be published in early 2027.
Representatives of Czech employers, trade unions and temporary work agency associations contributed their perspectives on prevention and on the role of social partners in addressing unfair practices.
The event was organised by ELA in cooperation with ELA National Liaison Officer for Czechia Miroslav Fuchs, with the support of the Czech Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and the State Labour Inspection Office.