Regulating domestic help in the informal sector

The European Parliament has adopted the resolution by Mr Miet SMET (EPP/ED, B) that deals with domestic workers and the black economy. Firstly, the Parliament calls for a European definition of domestic work to be drawn up and for Member States to draw up and regularly update statistics on undeclared work. It states that this type of work should be recognised as an occupation in its own right, and there is a call for European rules to be established on the rights of these workers - at present the situation varies from country to country. The needs of the domestic worker should be considered when employment legislation is being drafted. The importance of all Member States introducing the principle of declaring all employment relationships is stressed and both employers and employees should be made aware of their rights under their employment relationship. Finally, Member States should link the issuing of visas for domestic employees working for diplomats to guarantee minimum level of working conditions.�