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Find out more about the several initiatives across the EU to encourage and help workers to choose declared work.

From 21-25 September, a wide range of events and activities promoted a culture of fair working conditions. From awareness raising activities to cross-border inspections, the message was clear: undeclared work does not pay – it's time to make the transition. 

Labour inspectorates, social partners and other organisations across Europe created informational videos and brochures, launched dedicated webpages, reached out to the media, organised webinars and collaborated across borders through staff exchanges and concerted inspections.

Most events took place virtually. Despite the challenges

This joint operation saw three EU countries fighting arm in arm against undeclared work in the construction sector. It kicks off the Week of Action of the very first European campaign on the benefits of declared work.

Undeclared work puts workers at a multitude of risks, undermines public finances and threatens the financial sustainability of social protection systems. While tackling undeclared work is primarily the responsibility of national authorities, this continuing challenge often has an important cross-border dimension.

Through the work carried out by the European Platform tackling Undeclared Work, it is clear that the most effective approach to tackling undeclared work is one that uses a variety of different measures at the same time. So-called direct measures include deterrents, such as fines and other penalties, in addition to incentives such as amnesties and other actions designed to help the transition into declared work. So-called indirect measures are also valuable – these include awareness-raising campaigns and actions to educate and inform people about undeclared work.

Developments in tourism

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As part of the first European campaign for declared work, the European Platform tackling undeclared work and the European Labour Authority (ELA) have launched a #EU4FairWork social media competition, calling on workers and employers from across the EU to share their personal stories about working declared.

An overview of the various approaches and their results to tackle undeclared work in Member States across the EU.

The European Platform tackling undeclared work has been quick to respond to the immediate challenges from the COVID-19 outbreak and is looking into solutions on how this transition could be achieved.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, ELA’s working group on inspections is carrying out its regular meetings video conferencing. At the meeting on 27 April, Member States discussed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and possible adaptation measures in the field of cross-border concerted and joint inspections.

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