Declared work benefits all – here’s why it matters to you

Are you a worker getting paid cash in hand with no contract? Does your employer only declare some of your working hours? Or are you registered as self-employed, but your hours and work are controlled by a company? If any of these sound like you, then read on, because you're an undeclared worker and you're leaving yourself unprotected.

Around 1 in 10 Europeans say that they have bought goods or services in the past year that may have involved undeclared work. And a third know someone who works undeclared. For your country, and the EU as a whole, this weakens the economy by reducing public revenue, undermining social security systems and fuelling unfair competition. But what does this mean to you on a more personal level? The European Labour Authority recently launched the 'Declared work benefits all! ' campaign to raise awareness about undeclared work, and its risks and consequences for both workers and employers .

If you're a worker

While working off the books might seem easier, it means no safety, no benefits and no guaranteed pay. If there's an accident at work, you have to pay for all your medical and rehab costs. You get no paid annual or sick leave, and forget about maternity or paternity benefits if you're a new parent. There's also no guarantee your pay won't be below the minimum wage - and if you're unfairly dismissed, you have no legal protection. And that's just looking at the present.

Undeclared work also means no future security. If your income isn't being declared, then no contributions are being made to pension schemes, so when you're older and ready to retire, you'll have fewer - or even no - rights to a pension. And yes, it might seem far away now, but you'll thank yourself in the future.

On the other hand, when your work is declared (even if you're a seasonal worker), you gain fair pay, security and rights. So how can you be sure you're working declared? Here's a checklist:

1. You have a written contract stating your and your employer's obligations and rights.
2. Your pay is regular and reflects overtime work.
3. You're protected in case of accidents - and against any discrimination - at work.
4. You get breaks, sick leave and holidays.
5. You have social security, which is what pays for your healthcare, unemployment benefits and pension.
6. You have the right to join a union, speak up, or even strike if things get unfair.

If you're an employer

Declared work benefits you, too. It's not just doing the right thing - it's smart business. It begins with following official rules or laws, so consider closely the employment conditions established in your country's regulations. Make sure your workers have the right to work legally in your country. Keep accurate records of your registered workers, including their actual working hours and all payment details, in compliance with national and EU regulations.

Just as important, always provide a safe environment for your workers. In doing so:

1. You don't get fined (a huge advantage).
2. You get happier, loyal and therefore more productive employees.
3. Unions? Strikes? Contracts? You're all covered.
4. Your reputation? Professional. Clients love ethical brands.
5. You're helping to build a fair economy, and what could be better than that?

Besides the 'Declared work benefits all!' campaign, check out the one-stop shop for a broad range of resources on tackling undeclared work .

Related links:

'Declared work benefits all!' campaign

'Declared work benefits all!' employee video

'Declared work benefits all!' employer video

Tackling undeclared work

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