SLOVAK labour inspectors found only 69 illegally employed people out of 13,900 in the first half of 2004, the National Labour Inspectorate (NIP) reported September 28.
Of the 69 people working illegal, 24 were working without a contract, and 45 had a verbal agreement with their employers.
With respect to the sanctions, 20 companies employing people without a contract were fined a total of Sk1.3 million (€31,300).
Most of the penalties were for small companies, especially in the retail, automobile and industrial sectors.
According to observers the results for the first half of 2004 again proved that the state authorities are ineffective in uncovering and punishing illegal workers, the state run news agency TASR wrote.
Authorities are hoping for parliament approval of a new draft law on illegal work and employment, which is expected to take effect the year after its passage.
The new legislation would provide better control on people working illegally and receiving state funds at the same time. Also, the rights of labour offices would be expanded, allowing them to act as labour inspectors.
4. Oct 2004 at 0:00 | From press reports
