27 Márta 2019, 09:21
The Joint Committee on Employment Affairs and Social Protection will meet tomorrow (Thursday) at 10.00 in Committee Room 4, Leinster House to discuss the topic of bogus self employment.
The meeting, with Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC) and the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) will discuss this topic, which has serious implications for individuals and our broader society.
Bogus self-employment occurs where an employer wilfully and wrongly treats an employee as a self-employed contractor in order to avoid tax and social insurance contributions and other employment rights which attach to employment.
An employer who incorrectly classifies a worker as self-employed may be guilty of an offence.
Beginning in November 2018, the Joint Committee has been investigating the plight of vulnerable workers in the predicament of bogus self-employment, and has already discussed the issue with the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, an ICTU delegation and Professor Michael Doherty of Maynooth University.
In advance of this discussion, Committee Chairman John Curran TD said: “We know bogus self employment is a very real problem, and the long term implications are profound for those who find themselves in this situation. It is a detrimental practice to the people impacted, and the state itself, and it is clear that strong deterrents are necessary.
“We know that all employment sectors are impacted by Bogus Self Employment, but traditionally this has been problematic among elements in the construction sector, and with that in mind the perspective of the Construction Industry Federation, and Irish Business and Employers Confederation will be insightful.
Deputy Curran added: “This Committee welcomes the opportunity to continue to shine a light on this topic, with the aim of helping to bring about real change for workers across all sectors.”
Committee proceedings can be viewed live here: https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/oireachtas-tv/cr4-live/
Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the move, through the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.