The number of undeclared workers in the construction industry has dropped from 28.45% in 2009 to 24.12% in 2016, the Minister of Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance, Zeta Emilianidou has stressed addressing the 21st Annual General Meeting of the Federation of Associations of Building Contractors of Cyprus (OSEOK).
In her speech, read out by the Director of Labour Department, the Minister said that to combat the phenomenon work-place inspections have been intensified, adding that 17,317 inspections have taken place in the construction industry from April 2009 until the first quarter of 2016, which
represents 69.91% of the total inspections carried out by the Ministry.
She said that everyone can understand the negative implications of this phenomenon which is not just labour issue but also a social issue thus creating the need for continuous and additional measures.
To this end, she added, we have proceeded with the preparation of a comprehensive bill aiming at tackling undeclared work using modern methods.
Emilianidou assured that the Ministry of Labour, Welfare and Social Security is making efforts to combat these phenomena while at the same time it remains oriented towards combating illegal and undeclared work.
She also said that financial consolidation by adopting structural reforms and socially acceptable measures in all labour areas including construction is a high priority for the Government