Undeclared work in Italy represents a socio-economic challenge that cannot be underestimated, with significant consequences on various fronts. According to the CGIA research office in Mestre, this form of irregular employment generates 77.8 billion euros, an alarming figure that highlights the extent of the phenomenon.
Analyzing the situation on a regional basis, a varied picture emerges. Lombardy, despite having over 504 thousand irregularly employed workers, has the lowest irregularity rate in the country, equal to 10.4%, with an incidence of the added value produced by irregular work on the regional total equal to 3.6%. However, Calabria records an opposite situation, with an irregularity rate of 22% and an impact of 9.8% on the regional economy, highlighting a critical territorial reality.
In general, Northern Italy seems to have the problem under greater control than the South, where undeclared work is more widespread, influenced by various socio-cultural and economic factors. The least affected regions include Veneto, the province of Bolzano, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Piedmont and Emilia Romagna, with an impact of undeclared work on regional GDP of between 3.7% and 4%. On the contrary, Puglia, Sicily and Campania present more critical situations, with an incidence exceeding 7%.
According to estimates from the CGIA Research Office, in Italy there are over three million individuals who carry out irregular work activities on a daily basis, representing an irregularity rate of 12.8%, with an impact of 4.9% on the added value generated by the 'shadow economy.
This phenomenon does not only concern the lack of regularity in hiring, but also impacts safety at work. The analysis of official statistics highlights a correlation between illegal work and an increased risk of accidents and deaths at work, especially in high-risk sectors such as construction.
In construction, in particular, the situation is worrying. Of the 935 national collective labor agreements present in Italy, 37.5% were signed by associations not belonging to the CNEL, creating a precarious and high-risk working environment. In this sector, which has 74 collective bargaining agreements filed with the CNEL, as many as 50% were signed by organizations not officially recognized.
The fight against illegal work requires a multifactorial and urgent approach. Targeted legislative intervention is necessary to guarantee legality and safety in the workplace, protecting both workers' rights and the competitiveness of honest companies.
The consequences of undeclared work go beyond the economic aspect, also influencing the country's social security and contributions system. The failure of irregular workers to contribute to social security and taxes leads to a loss of revenue for the State and a weakening of the welfare system.
Furthermore, illegal work fuels unfair competition, damaging companies that operate in compliance with regulations and collective agreements. This distorted competition compromises the quality of the services and products offered on the market, undermining consumer confidence and damaging the country's image.
Immediate coordinated action between institutions, law enforcement agencies, trade unions and trade associations remains fundamental to effectively combat illegal work. Targeted control and sanction interventions are necessary, but also active policies to encourage regular employment and the creation of stable and dignified employment opportunities.
