New Research Paper on policy approaches to undeclared care work in the EU

The scale of undeclared care work (paid care work that is lawful but not declared to public authorities) in the EU is considerable. Recent estimates suggest that 6.8 million undeclared workers provide care or household services across the EU, with 2.1 million specifically in the care sector. Undeclared care workers are predominantly women and often are migrants.

This new report by the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions examines undeclared care work in the EU, its characteristics and the challenges faced by people working in this sector, notably poor working conditions and limited social protection,  heightened risk of exploitation and physical and mental health issues. It presents a range of policy responses implemented across the EU to tackle it.

The findings underscore the need for a comprehensive policy framework that not only addresses immediate enforcement challenges but also tackles structural barriers to formalisation while ensuring good working conditions and social protection for care workers.

Access the report here