Undeclared Work in Greece Remains Above EU Average

Undeclared work in Greece remains importantly supra the European Union average, according to a caller study by Foundation for Economic and Industrial Research, underscoring a persistent situation for the country’s labour market.

The study finds that informal employment stood astatine 3.5% successful 2024, compared to the EU-23 mean of 2.7%. While the complaint has declined steadily since 2010, it continues to transcend European levels and reflects ongoing structural issues successful the economy.

Women and agrarian areas astir affected

The study highlights stark sex and determination disparities, with women disproportionately impacted—especially extracurricular municipality centers. In non-urban areas, informal employment reaches 8.1% among women, compared to 3.9% for men. In cities, the figures are little but still uneven, astatine 3.9% for women and 2.1% for men.

Greece besides records a wider sex spread successful undeclared work than the EU average, reinforcing concerns astir inequality successful the labour market.

Rising violations contempt stricter controls

Authorities proceed to uncover widespread violations. In February alone, six retired of ten fines issued by labour inspectors were linked to undeclared work and breaches of the integer work paper system. Out of €4 cardinal successful total penalties, €2.4 cardinal were tied to these offenses.

Fines for undeclared employment tin scope up to €10,500 per worker, yet a important information of the marketplace still operates successful violation of labour regulations.

Broader economical and κοινωνικά impact

Informal employment includes a wide scope of workers, from self-employed individuals operating extracurricular ceremonial structures to employees whose work is not officially recognized by employers. These workers often deficiency entree to indispensable protections such arsenic wellness insurance, pensions, and corporate bargaining rights.

Experts warn that this deficiency of regularisation has far-reaching consequences, affecting some worker welfare and just contention within the economy.

Slow progress, ongoing challenges

Although reforms—such arsenic reduced labour taxes, little κοινωνικά information contributions, the instauration of a integer work card, and accrued inspections—have contributed to a gradual decline, the occupation persists.

The study notes that undeclared work, peculiarly among women and successful agrarian regions, remains a important κοινωνικά and economical issue. It calls for targeted policies to amended labour protections and beforehand equality, emphasizing the request for sustained efforts to bring much workers into the ceremonial economy.