Government warned against crackdown on self-employed

Department warned any such move could have “unintended consequences” for Ireland

Minister for Social Protection Regina Doherty

The Department of Business and Enterprise has advised the government against a crackdown on bogus self-employment, warning that any such move could have “unintended consequences” for Ireland’s international competitiveness.

Unions claim abusive labour market practices, where a worker is required by employers to register as a sole trader while performing the functions of an employee, are costing the exchequer anywhere from €80 million to €300 million a year in lost revenue.

The practice, ...