Crackdown on Spain's 'black economy'

 

The government of Spain has announced a tough crackdown on the black economy, and will be targeting self-employed induviduals and companies alike in the latest attempt to wipe out working cash in hand.

Part of the initiative is to protect the rights of many workers – particularly those vulnerable, such as non-EU immigrants – from slave-like conditions who currently have no legal rights or social security due to working without any legal contract.

The crackdown is also a means to claw back taxes and social security payments that are currently not being made.

Spain's treasury has stated how it will take a very serious view of those who are currently claiming employment benefits, but who are working 'cash in hand' at the same time, and have threatened to impose fines ranging from 12,000 euros up to more than half a million, together with an immediate suspension of all benefit payments being recieved.

Investigations will start immediately and are due to be finalised by mid-2012.