On-site inspections net illegal workers

Out of 1,693 workers interviewed by Employment and Training Corporation officials during 992 on-site inspections between June and July, 481 had not declared they were employed.

The ETC said the inspections were conducted by law compliance officials.

A spokesman for the ETC said that undeclared employment means evasion of taxes and non-payment of social security contributions.

Thirty-nine persons were found to be working while registering for work and immediate action was taken to remove them from the unemployment register. Eighteen non-EU citizens were also working illegally. Ten people who were working and were underage were also identified.

Apart from on-site inspections, ETC law compliance officials also summoned another 520 persons to be interviewed at their offices.

In the two months under review, the ETC responded to 163 anonymous calls from the public. The ETC is urging the public to continue collaborating with it in its fight to transform undeclared work into regular employment.

The ETC offers a 24-hour hotline service on freephone 8007 6501 and the public is urged to report all infringements seen or known to be committed by persons working irregularly. Total anonymity of the caller is assured and any related information submitted is retained confidentially as bound by the Data Protection Act, the ETC said.

Reports can also be submitted on www.etc.gov.mt