{"id":227799,"date":"2023-10-27T08:48:11","date_gmt":"2023-10-27T06:48:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/atena.sk\/blog\/self-employed-instead-of-employed-why-is-this-a-trend-and-how-is-the-eu-responding\/"},"modified":"2023-10-27T09:17:20","modified_gmt":"2023-10-27T07:17:20","slug":"self-employed-instead-of-employed-why-is-this-a-trend-and-how-is-the-eu-responding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/atena.sk\/blog\/en\/self-employed-instead-of-employed-why-is-this-a-trend-and-how-is-the-eu-responding\/","title":{"rendered":"Self-employed instead of employed – why is this a trend and how is the EU responding?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In the world of work, we are witnessing a new phenomenon that is spreading rapidly across Europe. Increasingly, people are choosing to register as sole traders, not always complying with all the legal requirements, instead of becoming employed. This change in the legal status of many workers raises many questions about the future of work and how we should view employment relations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why did this trend arise in the first place?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

The tax system in many EU countries is set up to favour sole traders<\/strong>. The main goal is to support startups, small businesses and independent contractors. However, despite these good intentions, many have started to abuse<\/strong> the system, whether for lower taxes or other tax benefits.<\/p>\n\n

Why is this trend continuing?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

Many employers perceive working with freelancers as more profitable<\/strong>. They don’t have to guarantee them permanent working hours, holidays or invest in their equipment. Plus, if they need to reduce the number of associates, it’s easier with freelancers. However, many individuals are attracted to freelance work because of the higher net income, but often overlook the long-term drawbacks<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n

Comparison of the number of sole traders in different countries:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

When we look at the data on the number of self-employed people in each EU country, we get an interesting picture. In Croatia, we have seen an increase in the number of female tradeswomen from 7% to 15% and men from 15% to 20%. In other countries, the shift may not be as pronounced. However, there are countries with a much higher proportion of sole traders. In Greece, this is 19% of women and 32% of men, in Italy it is 14% of women and 24% of men, and in Poland it is 13% of women and 22% of men. At first glance, these numbers may not seem that high. But when you take into account the total population of the country, it is an incredibly high figure<\/strong>, especially when you consider how many people should actually be employed<\/strong> rather than registered as self-employed.<\/p>\n