Congress notes that the Seanad will this evening (Wed) take the Committee stage of a bill proposed by the Labour spokesman on Employment Affairs, Senator Ged Nash to tackle bogus self- employment.
ICTU has been highlighting the problem of bogus self-employment for many years and has worked to encourage Government and its agencies to act to resolve the issue.
Industrial Officer Liam Berney said, "Congress has yet to hear concrete details of what has been proposed by Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Regina Doherty apart from media reports this week that she has plans to tackle the issue".
Earlier this year, Congress General Secretary, Patricia King told a Joint Oireachtas Committee on bogus self-employment, that there are very negative and serious consequences for workers who are misclassified as self-employed sub-contractors by rogue bosses.
She also highlighted that there are big financial gains for these employers and serious consequences for the public finances.
Labour spokesperson on Employment Affairs, Senator Ged Nash said his bill 'should act as a major deterrent for employers who might consider forcing an employee to go down the false self-employment route. "It will be debated in the Seanad on Wednesday, and I hope that the support of other parties and Independents will overcome Government opposition."
ICTU spokesperson Liam Berney said, "Government must act immediately to combat bogus self-employment and clarify its proposals".
