IT
INAPP and Fondazione Brodolini present the results of their study on the working conditions of migrant labour
SURVEY ON EXPOSURE TO UNDECLARED WORK
Rome, 26 November 2024 – The conference titled “Decent Work? Occupational Segregation and Working Conditions of Immigrant Labour” took place today in Rome, organised by INAPP and the Giacomo Brodolini Foundation (FGB). The event aimed to explore challenges in specific segments of Italy’s informal economy, fostering an open dialogue among scholars, representatives of social partners, and institutional decision-makers. During the event, INAPP, in collaboration with FGB, presented the findings of a year-long study examining the working conditions of migrant labourers in sectors such as agriculture, construction, domestic work, and tourism, which are known for their high risk of exploitation.
The study surveyed over 2,000 migrants residing in Italy, drawn from areas with a significant presence of undeclared work. Respondents represented 85 nationalities, spanning major metropolitan areas such as Rome, Milan, Bologna, and Naples, as well as several provinces (Cuneo, Treviso, Rimini, Grosseto, Foggia, and Ragusa) characterised by a high concentration of foreign workers. Most respondents were men (1,291 compared to 730 women), with the majority aged between 25 and 34 (37%). Three-quarters of the participants were from non-EU countries, predominantly Morocco, Ukraine, Albania, and Tunisia. Among men, there was a higher representation of African countries (Morocco, Tunisia, and Senegal), while fewer came from Eastern Europe (Albania, Romania, and Ukraine). For women, the trend was reversed, with the largest group being Ukrainians, followed by Romanians, Poles, and Moldovans.
The key focus areas included irregular working conditions, revealing that 51% of respondents worked without a contract. However, an even larger proportion were engaged in so-called “grey work,” where a contract exists but legal and contractual standards are not upheld in practice. Among grey workers, the most common activity was “unskilled agricultural and green space maintenance work” (22.1%), while workers without any contract were predominantly employed in “unskilled cleaning services” (19.3%). Furthermore, 29.1% of respondents reported an irregular administrative status, a figure higher among men (32.7%) than women (18.5%). This status often forces migrant workers into precarious employment: 38% were willing to work without a contract, and 30.2% accepted de-skilled roles.
Another focus of the study was occupational health and safety. Eight percent of respondents reported workplace injuries, yet only 57.6% sought medical assistance following their accident. A lack of reporting often stemmed from external advice or fear of job loss, highlighting a significant gap in worker protections. Particular attention was given to women, especially those in domestic work (35.6%), a sector where financial sustainability presents unique challenges.
The INAPP study also offered insights into future prospects. Despite the complex circumstances, there was a note of optimism: only a small minority of irregular workers (4%) considered leaving Italy. Meanwhile, 41% anticipated an improvement in their working conditions within a year, hoping to secure regular employment.
According to Anna Simonazzi, President of FGB, “The issue of undeclared work is of great significance, and collaboration with INAPP has advanced our understanding of grey work. We hope to provide empirical evidence that supports interventions to combat irregularities and promote a fairer, more inclusive labour market.”
INAPP President Natale Forlani stated, “The study sheds light on the exploitation migrant workers face, which must be addressed through a range of measures. Active contributions from businesses and social partners in shaping employment contracts will be essential to achieving regulation.
These findings illustrate how sectors such as domestic work, catering, elderly care, and maintenance rely heavily on low-skilled immigrant workers, especially as older Italian workers exit the labour force.”
The primary findings of INAPP’s research on the subject are detailed in the special section “Undeclared and Underpaid Work Among Immigrants” by N. Forlani and A. Scialdone, featured in issue no. 2/2024 of the journal Economia&Lavoro, now available in open access: https://www.rivisteweb.it/issn/0012-978X/issue/9564.
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