The courts have processed 224 cases since October against employers breaking the law on the need to notify the engagement of employees to the Employment and Training Corporation (ETC).

The ETC said in a statement that 127 chose to settle their dues by paying the administrative fine contemplated by law. This was not possible in another 68 cases, where the infringements were of too serious a nature to be settled through an administrative fine.

These cases involved foreigners working without work permits, persons found working while registering for work, persons working below the age of 16 and others not declaring their employment.

Employers found guilty of employing foreigners without a work permit were each fined €1,165 (Lm500.13). In total, €9,940 (4,267.24) were paid in administrative fines and €10,822 (Lm4,645.88) in court penalties.

The corporation reminded employers that they were obliged to submit the engagement forms of any new persons they employed "not later than the first day of work".

The ETC Law Compliance Unit had a 24-hour freephone service on 8007 6501 where reports on irregular employment may be made anonymously. Reports can also be submitted through the ETC website www.etc.gov.mt.